Caverne du Pont d'Arc

Today's the day . . . . . . . . . to replicate

This is the entrance to a very unique visitor centre near Vallon Pont d'Arc in the Ardeche Region of France.

It is a replica of the near-by Chauvet Cave which was discovered in 1995 and found to contain the most amazing paintings of animals - dating back to a time 36,000 years ago (see extra).  The paintings were of exceptional quality and were the oldest in Europe.  It was decided for conservation reasons that they should not be opened to the public but instead, using the most modern and innovative 3D technology, a replica should be made close by.

So this is what happened.  No expense was spared and the cavern opened in April 2015.  It really is the most wonderful place - utterly convincing and so well done.  The other extra is one of the natural features nearby - the Pont d'Arc itself . . . . . . . . . . . . . .