06July27August2026
(All periods)Exposition "Grotte Chauvet, l’Aventure Scientifique"
Through an immersive exhibition, step right into the heart of scientific research!
Immerse yourself in the scientific adventure of the Chauvet Cave!
The exhibition ‘Chauvet Cave: The Scientific Adventure’ invites you to take a behind-the-scenes look at the research being carried out in one of the world’s most extraordinary decorated caves, which has been closed to the public since its discovery in 1994.
During your visit, step into the shoes of a scientist and explore the various disciplines involved in unravelling the cave’s secrets: archaeology, palaeontology, genetics, acoustics, geomorphology and digital sciences. Try out equipment, handle tools and discover the technologies used by researchers to study the paintings, handprints, animal remains and rock formations.
Interactive and immersive, this exhibition reveals the reality of the fieldwork carried out by the scientific teams who, for over twenty-five years, have been conducting their research in the Chauvet Cave under exceptional conditions. To preserve this first great masterpiece of humanity, researchers are only allowed access for four weeks a year!
Conceived by the Cité des sciences et de l’industrie, in partnership with the CNRS and with the support of the Syndicat mixte de l’Espace de restitution de la grotte Chauvet, this exhibition offers a unique insight into research in action and the discoveries that enable us to better understand this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Grotte Chauvet 2 – Ardèche
Age
Equipments / Services
Openings / Rates
From 06/07 to 27/08/2026 on Monday and Thursday between 10 am and 12.30 am. On Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and weekends between 8.30 am and 8.15 pm.
From Friday 28 to Monday 31 August 2026 between 8.30 am and 8.15 pm.
From 01/09 to 29/09/2026 daily between 9 am and 6.45 pm.
From 30/09 to 16/10/2026 daily between 9.30 am and 5.45 pm.
From 17/10 to 01/11/2026 daily between 9.30 am and 7.15 pm.
From 02/11 to 18/12/2026 daily between 10.30 am and 5.15 pm.
From 19/12/2026 to 03/01/2027 daily between 10.30 am and 6.45 pm.
Free of charge. The exhibition is included in the admission price.
