The State acquires two prehistoric treasures in Dordogne: the Cro-Magnon shelter

In November 2024, the State acquired two exceptional prehistoric sites: the Cro-Magnon shelter and the Saint-Cirq cave, also known as the “Sorcerer’s cave”. These historic monuments, located in the heart of the Vézère valley, considered the capital of prehistoric archaeology, will soon be part of the sites managed by the Center for National Monuments, guaranteeing their preservation and enhancement.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the “Ornate caves and prehistoric sites of the Vézère valley” bear witness to the historical and artistic importance of these sites. The Cro-Magnon shelter has been famous since 1868, when the first Homo sapiens fossils were discovered by archaeologist Édouard Lartet.

These five individuals, dated since the Gravettian (-28,000 years ago), gave rise to the term “Cro-Magnon Man” which was used until recently to name these first anatomically modern humans – us. These fossils have become a major reference for research into human evolution and adaptations. The Sorcerer's Cave, for its part, reveals a fascinating aspect of prehistoric art. Discovered in 1952 by Noël Brousse, this small ornate cave is known for its engravings of animals and human figures, including an enigmatic silhouette nicknamed “the Sorcerer”.

With this new acquisition, the Ministry of Culture strengthens the national policy of protection and promotion of prehistoric sites and in particular decorated caves. The upcoming reopening of these emblematic places to the public will offer a unique opportunity to discover this exceptional heritage of humanity, while ensuring the sustainability of this unique heritage for future generations.