N - Grotte de Niaux

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Deep in the Pyrenees, hidden among the folds of the valley of Vicdessos near the town of Miglos, in the Ariege region near Foix,  is found the “Grotte de Niaux” (pronounced grot de Neeo) cold and dark caves that contain rare prehistoric cave art rivaling the larger and more famous caves of Lascaux. There is even fairly modern “graffiti” to be seen when first entering the caves left by explorers from centuries ago up to fairly recently. I imagine young men of the late 1800s and early 1900s in suits taking their ladies out for a look in the “grotte” wooo…spooky, and left their names with dates to let us, who would come later, know they’d been there. Today one must call ahead if you’d like to tour inside. Only small groups are allowed, to guard the temperature in the caves and therefore preserve the cave paintings. Much has been learned from the mistakes made in previous cave finds the world over and Niaux is putting that information to work. There is usually at least one tour in English if they know in advance that you’re coming. Not many have heard of Niaux. It’s a nicely kept secret, but those who discover it, either by accident or on purpose, treasure the experience they find within…

The colors are not false in this photo. They are beautiful in real life as well.

The cover of the guide book you can purchase there. All proceeds go to help keep the caves preserved.

If you didn't know it was there, you might miss it... can you see the cave entrance in this photo? Click on it to make the photo larger.

Coming up to the "Grotte" entrance

The village down in the valley from up at the caves. The balcony gives a spectacular view

Some of the prehistoric art found in the "Salon Noir," Niaux

The small village of Miglos

This gives you an idea of the size of the entrance

Looking at the placards placed on the back of the huge "artistically designed entrance," describing the all sorts of information about the caves.

For more information go HERE

Some images from:


www.archaeologicaltrs.com

www.bradshawfoundation.com