Chauvet Cave 2: Everything You Need to Know Before Your Visit (Hours, Prices, Tips)

36,000 years. That’s the age of the world’s oldest cave paintings, discovered in 1994 in the Chauvet Cave by 3 Ardèche cavers. The original cave is forever closed to the public to preserve its artworks, but its life-size replica — the Caverne du Pont d’Arc, commonly called Chauvet Cave 2 — lets you admire these masterpieces in identical conditions. Located 5 minutes from Mas Saint Antoine, it’s one of the most moving sites in France.

The story in brief: why a replica?

In December 1994, Jean-Marie Chauvet, Éliette Brunel, and Christian Hillaire discovered an ornate cave near Vallon-Pont-d’Arc by chance. Inside: over 1,000 paintings and engravings, including hundreds depicting 14 animal species (woolly rhinoceros, cave lions, mammoths, bison, bears…).

Dating quickly revealed the incredible: these works are 36,000 years old, twice the age of Lascaux.

To preserve this treasure, the original cave is permanently closed to the public. In 2007, the French state decided to build an exact replica, 1.5 km from the real cave. Opened April 2015. Over 3.5 million visitors since opening.

In July 2014, the original Chauvet Cave was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.

What exactly do you visit?

The Caverne du Pont d’Arc faithfully reproduces the 8,500 m² of the original cave, condensed into a 3,000 m² circuit. Everything is there:

• The cave paintings in their exact position
• The limestone concretions, stalactites and stalagmites
• The bear bones on the floor
• The human and animal footprints in the sediment
• The recreated sound and thermal atmosphere (constant 12°C)

The illusion is stunning. Even paleontologists who visited the real cave say the sensation is identical.

How much time should you plan?

The Cavern guided tour (1h)

The flagship visit. A guide accompanies you through the replica for 55 minutes, in groups of maximum 28 people.

The Aurignacian Gallery (45 min – 1h)

An educational museum about Paleolithic life: extinct fauna with life-size reproductions of mammoths, lions, rhinos, hunting techniques, daily life of Chauvet artists.

Recommended total

Plan 2h30 to 3h on site to fully enjoy.

2026 prices

• Adult: around €20 (Cavern only) or €24 (Cavern + Gallery)
• Children 10-17: around €11 / €13
• Children under 10: free
• Family rate: -10% approximately

Opening hours

The Caverne du Pont d’Arc is open year-round, except January (annual maintenance) and December 25.

• April-June and September-October: 9:30 AM – 6 PM
• July-August: 9 AM – 7:30 PM
• November-December and February-March: 10 AM – 5 PM

What age for children?

The Caverne du Pont d’Arc is suitable from age 7-8 in our experience. For very young children, the Aurignacian Gallery is more suitable.

How to reach the Caverne du Pont d’Arc?

Address: Plateau du Razal, 07150 Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, France

From Mas Saint Antoine: 30 minutes by car. Free parking on site (over 500 spaces).

Mistakes to avoid

Mistake 1: Thinking it’s “just a copy”

All visitors leave amazed. The precision of the reproduction is striking.

Mistake 2: Underestimating duration

Block 3 hours in your day for Cavern + Gallery + one exhibition.

Mistake 3: Going without booking in July-August

Book at least 7 days ahead in high season.

Mistake 4: Visiting with too-young children

Under 7, the experience risks being ruined for them and you.

Mistake 5: Not dressing warmly

It’s 12°C in the Cavern, year-round. Bring a sweater.

Why stay at Mas Saint Antoine?

Mas Saint Antoine is just 30 minutes from the Caverne du Pont d’Arc:

• ✅ Combining Chauvet 2 + Pont d’Arc + Aven d’Orgnac over 2-3 days
• ✅ Calm of southern Ardèche after tourist crowds
• ✅ Independent accommodations perfect for families

👉 Discover our accommodations and book

📞 Planning a discovery stay in Ardèche?
Mas Saint Antoine is 30 min from the Caverne du Pont d’Arc. Contact us at +33 6 68 11 48 71 or via our booking page.