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Valley of the Caves of Saulges: A Journey Through Prehistory

Discover prehistoric art and history in the Mayenne countryside at the Valley of the Caves of Saulges, a unique geological and archaeological treasure.

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Explore the Valley of the Caves of Saulges and its Prehistoric Museum, a captivating destination in Thorigné-en-Charnie, France. Discover ancient artifacts, cave paintings, and stunning geological formations that reveal the lives of prehistoric humans in this unique Natura 2000 zone.

A brief summary to Valley of the Caves of Saulges - Prehistoric Museum

  • Monday 10 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-7 pm
  • Friday 10 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Book cave visits in advance online, as reservations are required and space is limited.
  • Wear closed-toe shoes and bring warm clothing, as the caves can be cool and require some walking.
  • Plan for at least 3 hours to fully experience the museum and visit the caves.
  • Visit during the weekdays to avoid larger crowds.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Thorigné-en-Charnie, walk northwest on Rue de la Mairie towards D14. Continue straight for about 1.5 km to reach 650 La Roche Brault, where the museum is located.

  • Public Transport

    From Le Mans train station, take a train towards Laval (approximately 25 minutes). From Laval station, catch regional bus Line 8 towards Thorigné-en-Charnie (about 30 minutes). Get off at the stop closest to the museum, a short walk to 650 La Roche Brault. Check bus schedules in advance.

  • Car

    From Le Mans, take the A11 motorway towards Angers. After approximately 35 km, exit onto the A81 towards Laval. Continue for about 40 km and take exit 1 towards La Suze-sur-Sarthe/Thorigné-en-Charnie. Follow the D16 road for around 15 km, then turn onto D14 towards Thorigné-en-Charnie. Continue on this road until you reach 650 La Roche Brault. Free parking is available on-site.

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Discover more about Valley of the Caves of Saulges - Prehistoric Museum

Nestled in the picturesque Mayenne countryside, the Valley of the Caves of Saulges offers a remarkable journey into the prehistoric past. This exceptional site features a Prehistoric Museum and a network of caves, some adorned with prehistoric engravings, making it the only site north of the Loire with such cave paintings. The museum showcases artifacts that illustrate the lifestyles, tools, and artistic expressions of our ancestors. The valley boasts 22 known caves, including the Margot Cave and Rochefort Cave, both open for guided tours, and the Goat Cave, which can be visited freely. The Margot Cave is a national treasure, featuring images of woolly rhinoceros, bison, and birds discovered in 2003. Rochefort Cave offers a thrilling descent into a 15-meter chasm leading to an underground lake, where ongoing archaeological excavations can be observed. Visitors can explore the museum's exhibits, enhanced with interactive digital content and virtual reality experiences, including a virtual tour of the Mayenne-Sciences cave, which is closed to the public to protect its delicate prehistoric drawings. The valley itself invites exploration with scenic hiking trails through lush forests and dramatic rock formations.

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