Cosquer Cave

History of the Cosquer Cave

The Cosquer Cave, located underwater near Cap Morgiou in Marseille at over 34 meters deep, is an archaeological treasure dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period, between 33,000 and 19,000 years BCE. Discovered by Henri Cosquer in 1985, this decorated cave was accessible at a time when the sea was several kilometers away. Climate change and rising waters have since submerged part of the cave, making it inaccessible by foot for about 9,000 years. The paintings and engravings discovered inside, authenticated by Jean Courtin and Jean Clottes, bear witness to the cultural richness of the Gravettian and Epigravettian periods, with unique artistic representations and specific lithic tools. In 1992, the cave was classified as a historical monument, and since then, in-depth studies have been conducted for its conservation and enhancement. In 2021, a new research team led by the prehistorian Cyril Montoya was formed to continue the multidisciplinary study of the cave. Recently, Cosquer Méditerranée, a reconstruction of the prehistoric underwater cave, opened to the public, becoming a must-visit site in Marseille and welcoming its one millionth visitor in September 2023.

A Cave Asleep for Over 30,000 Years

The prehistoric cave, housing rock paintings of inestimable archaeological value, is engaged in a race against time. Rising waters threaten to make this exceptional site disappear forever. This reconstruction is therefore the only way to contemplate these artworks painted between 27,000 and 19,000 BCE.

In total, over 500 rock paintings representing 142 animals (bisons, horses, seals, penguins…) and 55 hands. Artists reproduced the paintings using techniques from the period. These are therefore genuine works of art and not mere reproductions. It was not possible for technical reasons to reproduce the site identically; it is 30% smaller than the original. However, all the main points of interest will be preserved.

Cosquer Cave Replica: An Aix-en-Provence Company Among the Saviors

For over ten years, the Perspective(s) company, located in the technopole of Aix-en-Provence, tirelessly undertook this painstaking work of collecting data from the cave using state-of-the-art lasers. The result: over 10 gigabits of data that allowed the site to be reconstructed as faithfully as possible. The company has, among other things, already conducted a virtual tour of the Vasarely Foundation. In the end, the project already makes prehistory and archaeology enthusiasts dream. Everything has been done to make us relive the experience lived by Henri Cosquet at the time of his fabulous discovery.

The reproduction covers over 1800 m2 in the basement of Villa Méditerranée. The entrance gate is a diving club, visitors descend using an elevator, like in a submarine base. Then the discovery of the cave is made in slow-moving capsules.

Practical Information about the Cosquer Cave

The visit to the Cosquer Cave lasts 45 minutes, an experience that aims to be as realistic as possible. To complete the experience, there is also a museum about the different represented animals and an exhibition about the region's climate evolution. The Cosquer Cave is open daily, with adapted hours: from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm outside of holiday periods, and from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm during holidays. This allows visitors to fully enjoy the experience at their convenience.

Regarding prices, it is recommended to consult directly the official website for the most up-to-date information, as they may vary depending on visitor categories (adults, children, groups, etc.) and include special offers or reduced rates for certain categories. At present, the ticket is priced at 18 euros for an adult and 6 euros for a child. The ticket includes access to the cave reconstruction, the exhibition on the fauna represented, the exhibition on climate evolution, the film screening, and the audio guide.

To come to Cosquer, access is easy from the city center of Marseille. The cave is located at the esplanade du J4 near the main transport routes and can be reached by various means, including public transportation, offering a convenient option for all visitors. For those who wish to come by metro, simply get off at the Vieux Port or Joliette stop and walk 10 minutes. You can also come by bus with lines 49, 60, and 82 and stop at the Fort Saint-Jean stop.

For an optimal experience, it is advisable to plan your visit in advance, taking into account the hours, rates, and recommendations for access to fully enjoy everything the Cosquer Cave has to offer.