Grotte Chauvet 2 – Ardèche

Discover humanity's first great masterpieces, dated 36,000 years ago. In a 29-hectare wooded park, the Chauvet cave, 'grotte Chauvet 2 - Ardèche', is the largest replica in the world of a cave. It recreates the magic of the Chauvet cave, part of UNESCO World Heritage.

Description

Over 36,000 years ago, in a deep cave, the early artists in the history of Humanity painted a series of masterpieces: horses, lions, rhinoceros and many other animals, all caught in movement, hunting, running, fighting.

When the Chauvet cave was discovered in 1994, it set the world on fire, revolutionizing the history of art and previous knowledge. It quickly became a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its replica, the Grotte Chauvet 2 - Ardèche, which opened in 2015, allows the public to discover this first great masterpiece of Humanity.

The cave replica, a cultural destination just steps from the Ardèche river canyons and the Pont-d’Arc, is the most popular cultural site in Ardèche.

Visiting the cave takes you on a journey to the origins of art, and immerses you in Prehistory.

At the cave replica, several other discoveries also await you, such as the Aurignacian Gallery which enhances the visit of the cave and provides in-depth insights on our ancestors, their art and their environment in an immersive, interactive setting.

The great display hall is currently showing a magical, universally-understood show, 'Animal, from prehistory to street art', an immersive 360° sound and light experience. Everyone can watch and move around within this monumental fresco accompanied by a stunning original musical score.

All year long, cultural programs, conferences, workshops and special events add to the experience of visiting the replica, and help visitors feel and understand the timeless gestures made by our ancestors in creating this art.

The ticket includes the guided visit of the cave, visiting the Aurignacian Gallery, the show "Animal, from Prehistory to street art", and taking part in the activities conducted during holiday periods and on the weekends from April to October.

There is also a restaurant with a panoramic view open all year long, and a bookshop-boutique with over 1000 items.

Spoken languages

  • Dutch
  • German
  • English
  • French

Themes

  • Fine Arts
  • History
  • Sciences and technology
  • Arts and culture
  • Painting
  • Prehistoric
  • Archeological
  • Anthropology
  • Sacred art

Labels and ranking

  • On-line reservation
  • Famille Plus
  • Vineyards and Discovery Accreditation
  • Indoor
  • Bad weather alternative
  • Recommended by high heat
  • Health protocol

Activities

  • Handicrafts workshops
  • Temporary exhibition
  • Activity
  • Children's entertainment

Opening

From 01/01 to 31/12/2024, daily.
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays in January.

Visit

Individual tour

  • Average Duration of the individual tour: 55 minutes

Group tour

  • Guided group tours on request
  • Average duration of groups visit: 55 minutes
  • Min. group size: 20
  • Max. group size: 28

Rate

Adult: 18 €
Child (10-17 years): 9 €.

Free entry for children < 10 years.
Group rate available for > 20 people.

Payment options:

  • Check
  • Cash
  • Bank/credit card
  • Pass’Région
  • Travellers Cheque

Situation

Show itinerary

Amenities and Services

  • Booking obligatory
  • Coach access
  • Educational visits
  • Guided tours
  • Restaurant
  • Set down on-site for groups
  • Shop
  • Themed tour
  • Ticketing in number
  • Tourist brochures
  • Car park
  • Free car park
  • Private parking
  • Coach parking
  • Bicycle parking
  • Public WC
  • Bar
  • Defibrillator
  • Picnic area
  • Exhibition space
  • Orientation board
  • Air conditioning
  • Restaurant
  • Entertainments room
  • Toilets

Home complement

To appreciate this visit, children must be aged 3 or above Wheelchairs are available on request at reception and at the entrance to the cave

Accessibility

  • Hearing disability
  • Mental disability
  • Physical disability
  • Visual disability
  • Hearing disability
  • Mental disability
  • Visual disability
  • Accessible for wheelchairs with assistance
  • Accessible for self-propelled wheelchairs
  • Even flooring with no obstacles
  • Absence of protrusions > 2 cm
  • Minimum aisle width of 90 cm
  • Doors >=77 cm wide
  • Height under table >= 70 cm width >= 77 cm
  • WC + grab handle + adequate space to move
  • Site, building totally accessible
  • Possibility of drop-off in front of the site
  • Visual alarm with flash light
  • Magnetic loop available at the reception
  • Presence of pictograms and / or simplified visuals
  • Relief map, tactile model or audio device description available at the reception
  • Reception staff sensitized to the reception of people with disabilities