The Cosquer cave is a fascinating prehistoric cave under the sea, in Marseille, it is now possible to visit it.

A Fragile jewel

Classified in the inventory of historical monuments, the Cosquer cave, discovered 30 years ago at a depth of 37m at Cap Morgiou in the Calanques massif in Marseille, is now restored to the heart of the Villa Méditerranée… Precious for its incredible A wealth of parietal art and geological marvels, the Cosquer cave is a fragile jewel now accessible to all. Let’s start with the beginning. In 1985, Henri Cosquer, an experienced scuba diver and seabed enthusiast, set off to dive in the Calanques, his vast playground. That day, he dived towards Cap de Sormiou, a place he habit of walking. At 36 meters deep, a cavity dug in the rock face challenges him and he decides to explore it. It is then the beginning of a great adventure for this man who will make a major discovery that will turn his life upside down.

A real treasure 30,000 years old

At the end of this submerged gallery, narrow and almost 175 meters long, he discovers a real treasure 30,000 years old: more than 480 works painted or engraved on the rock, penguins, stags, ibexes, bison but also footprints of hands, or traces of hearth. It is after several round trips over a period of 6 years that he will reveal his discovery in broad daylight. The cave was visited by our ancestors for a long time spanning between 33,000 and 19,000 BC. The sea at that time was 120 meters below the current level, the water was then several kilometers away. The climate was cold and the landscape was not the same as today. In 1991 the cave was authenticated and revealed to the general public. A year later it was classified as a historical monument. Since then it has not ceased to be studied by historians and researchers. . And after 2 years of work, it’s official, Cosquer Méditerranée the prehistoric cave under the sea opens its doors on 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶 𝟰 𝗝𝗨𝗜𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮 at 𝟵𝗵𝟬𝟬 !

Cosquer Mediterranean,

Marseille

Full price 5€

Opening time Cosquer Méditerranée opens its doors on Saturday June 4, 2022. Open every day, Monday to Sunday and public holidays. – June 4 to September 25: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. – September 26 to November 11: 9:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. – November 11 to March 31 (except end-of-year and February school holidays): 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. – End of year and February holidays: 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. https://www.grotte-cosquer.com/