Prehistoric Rock Art in France
In the limestone caves of south western France are some of the most well known images created by Stone Age people. Those in the Vézère Valley of the Dordogne are almost certainly some of the most visited rock art sites in the world. Less well known are the open air Bronze Age rock engravings in the Parc national du Mercantour, pecked on the smooth glacial rocks up in the maritime Alps at the border with Italy.
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Stone Age Cave Art in France
In the limestone caves of south western France are some of the most well known images created by Stone Age people during last Ice Age. Those caves in the Vézère Valley of the Dordogne are almost certainly among the most visited rock art sites in the world. But there are also caves open to the public in other areas, including the Midi-Pyrénées and the Pyrénées, as well as Burgundy and the Ardeche.
Bronze Age Art in the Maritime Alps
High in the maritime Alps of south eastern France, in the valleys beneath Mont Bégo, visitors can see engravings on the rocky surfaces rubbed smooth by retreating glaciers 10,000 years ago, at the end of the last Ice Age. There is accessible Bronze Age engravings in the Vallée des Merveilles and Vallée de Fontanalba. Getting to the Mont Bego rock art requires a full day’s hike, guided tours with a 4×4 are also possible from nearby Tende, where there is the Musée des Merveilles.
