Located in the superb natural environment of the Cure Valley, in the north of the Morvan, the Arcy-sur-Cure caves are a major prehistoric site, listed as a Historic Monument and Archaeological Site of National Interest. Carved into a Mesozoic Era limestone massif by the River Cure, the numerous caves, some of which are decorated with engravings, once provided shelter for humans.
A visitor attraction for over four centuries, the Great Cave (Grande Grotte) became even more famous in the early 1990s, when cave paintings from 28,000 years ago were discovered there. Drawn with ochre and charcoal, these prehistoric works make the Great Cave at Arcy-sur-Cure the oldest decorated cave in the world after the Chauvet Cave in Ardèche.
Only the Great Cave, adorned with draperies, stalactites and stalagmites, is open to the public. In its 900 metres of chambers and tunnels, a magical and enchanting world awaits visitors! Occupied by humans at different times, it has preserved Gallo-Roman sculptures and pottery alongside its incredible Palaeolithic paintings, as well as graffiti dating from 1543. Its fascinating underground chambers, two small lakes, animal engravings and strangely shaped limestone concretions will amaze all ages.
