description Font-de-Gaume Overview
A Paleolithic decorated cave near Les Eyzies in the Dordogne region of France, containing over 200 polychrome paintings and engravings dated to the Magdalenian period, approximately 17,000 years ago. The artwork depicts bison, horses, mammoths, reindeer, and other animals rendered in red ochre and black manganese. The cave is one of the few major painted caves in France still open to the public, with daily visitor numbers strictly limited to protect the fragile pigments from microbial damage and carbon dioxide accumulation.
insights Ranking position
Font-de-Gaume ranks #42 of 263 in the Archaeological Site ranking, behind Karnak, ahead of Madain Saleh (Al-Hijr).
help Font-de-Gaume FAQ
Where is the Font-de-Gaume cave located?
Font-de-Gaume is a Paleolithic decorated cave located near the town of Les Eyzies in the Dordogne region of France. This area is known as a global epicenter for prehistoric cave art.
How old are the paintings in Font-de-Gaume?
The artwork in the cave has been dated to the Magdalenian period, making it approximately 17,000 years old. It is one of the few caves in France with original, multi-colored prehistoric paintings still open to the public.
What kind of art is inside Font-de-Gaume?
The cave contains over 200 polychrome paintings and engravings depicting various Ice Age animals. The most prominent subjects are bison and horses, but the artwork also features renditions of mammoths, reindeer, and wolves.
Can anyone visit the Font-de-Gaume cave?
Yes, visitors can still take guided tours of Font-de-Gaume, but access is strictly limited to a very small number of people per day to protect the fragile microclimate. Tickets usually must be booked well in advance, as they sell out quickly.
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