The Grotte du Mas d'Azil
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The Grotte du Mas d'Azil - a major site of the Magdalenian and Azilian periods.
The Grotte du Mas-d’Azil, south of the Vallée de l’Arize is an important, globally-renowned site of the Magdalenian and Azilian periods of prehistory. It is spectacularly large and is also a real geological curiosity ! Crossed by a river and a road, this gigantic cave has yielded abundant evidence of the activities of prehistoric man in Ariège.
The immensity of its chambers, modern lighting effects and amazing atmosphere are three good reasons to explore the Grotte du Mas-d’Azil. Let youself be carried along by the magic of this underground site, steeped in history ! The cave has been inhabited since the dawn of time and often served as a place of refuge during troubled periods of history. It is a marvellous place for visitors of all ages.
Visitors cross a footbridge overlooking the River Arize before entering the 300m², digital, interactive Discovery Centre. Here the geological formation of the cave and the paintings in its inaccessible galleries are shown using virtual technology. The fun, scientific trail continues through the cave, with exhibitions on palaeontology, how men lived during the Magdalenian civilisation, archaeological excavation work and the construction of the road. The lighting effects in the different chambers and galleries of the cave create a truly magical atmosphere.
Throughout the tour, the guide will share his passion for geology (how the cave was formed), palaeontology (the gallery where remains of bones were found) and prehistory (the presence of Magdalenian and Azilian man).
The Grotte du Mas d'Azil, cradle of Azilian culture
The prehistoric men of Mas d’Azil gave birth to a culture which bears the name of the Ariège village - ‘Azilian’. This period of prehistory, which is mentioned in all books and encyclopaedias, guarantees the fame of the cave. From the dawn of time to the Wars of Religion, Mas d’Azil has been a place of refuge whose history is recounted in a ‘son et lumière’ show in the natural theatre at the heart of the cave.
Don’t miss the Musée de la Préhistoire, 800m from the cave, in the centre of the village. This museum illustrates the modernism and expertise of the cave dwellers through remains which have been found there, some of which are great technical and artistic achievements. Its priceless collection of remarkable items includes famous Azilian pebbles !
Among the most famous exhibits at the museum is the celebrated decorated spear thrower named the « Faon aux oiseaux (fawn with birds) », considered to be a masterpiece of Palaeolithic art. Other highlights of the visit are the Magdalenian skull, the only human bone found in the cave, displayed alongside its scientific reconstitution and the display devoted to Azilian man, his microliths (small tools) and the painted pebbles which are so characteristic of Mas-d’Azil.
The museum is spread over three floors. The ground floor houses temporary exhibitions. The first floor has two rooms, the first with magnificent collections of prehistoric objects found in the cave : weapons, tools and beautifully engraved, carved, decorated objets d’art including the famous ‘Faon aux oiseaux’. The second room is devoted to the Azilian civilization and the celebrated painted pebbles. The second floor has replicas of the galleries featuring prehistoric paintings and engravings in parts of the cave which are not open to the public.
Useful information :
Information and bookings, ring 05 61 05 50 40. Guided tours. The cave is open all year round. Free car park, picnic area. Not suitable for visitors with reduced mobility. Animals not admitted. Situated about 1 hour from Toulouse via A66 and 1 hour from Carcassonne.
Continue your exploration of prehistoric Ariège with a visit to the Grotte de Niaux
