Cosquer, a cave emerging from the waters

270 representations are painted or engraved in the Cosquer cave. Half are animal species, the other half are geometric signs or hands • DRAC PACA / SERVICE PRESSE

Because it is under the sea, and therefore not very accessible, the Cosquer cave is less known than those of Lascaux in Dordogne or Chauvet in Ardèche. However, this unique site housed in the creeks, near Cape Morgiou, between Marseille and Cassis, is home to many prehistoric paintings, and, so that the public can discover it, a replica is finally in progress, announced for 2022.

It was in 1985 that Henri Cosquer, a professional diver, discovered the cave and its frescoes dated from 18,000 to 27,000 years before our era:a total of 270 representations painted or engraved on the walls of the cave, bison, felines, horses, but also marine animals rarely featured in Paleolithic shelters, seals, penguins, jellyfish and cetaceans. Divided into two rooms, the cave is also covered with numerous geometric signs.

Frescoes under threat

To access it, experienced divers must take a 175 m long underwater tunnel, the entrance to which is 35 m deep. 20,000 years ago the sea level was 110 to 120 m lower. Prehistoric men did not inhabit this cave and contented themselves with incursions to draw there, as the absence of bones and tools seems to indicate.

Cosquer has always been closed to the public for security reasons. Today, it is not visitors who threaten it but global warming, the sea level is rising and could engulf all the frescoes. Eventually, the cave is destined to disappear, so a replica was essential.

Designed from digital and 3D photogrammetric surveys carried out by specialists from a geosciences company, it will be carried out at the Villa Méditerranée in Marseille near the Mucem and should open in June 2022. The visit will take place on board small boats.