Beneath the azure waves of Marseille, a hidden world awaits. The Grotte Cosquer, a time capsule from the Paleolithic era, whispers tales of a forgotten time. Located near the cap Morgiou in the Calanques near Marseille, this underwater cave holds a treasure trove of prehistoric art. Discovered in 1985 by diver Henri Cosquer, after whom the cave was named, Grotte Cosquer’s entrance lies hidden 37 meters beneath the sea. Imagine our ancestors, traversing the landscape when the sea level was much lower, 120 meters lower than today. They walked into this cave, a canvas for their creativity. Grotte Cosquer houses over 517 parietal figures, created between 33,000 and 18,500 years ago. These paintings and engravings depict a mix of land animals like horses, ibex, deer, bison, and aurochs. Uniquely, Grotte Cosquer also features 16 marine animals, including seals, penguins, fish, and even jellyfish. These depictions offer a rare glimpse into the coastal life of Paleolithic people. Handprints, both black and red, stencilled onto the walls, further connect us to these ancient artists. Sadly, the rising sea levels threaten this incredible site. Many artworks seen in 1991 have deteriorated or disappeared completely. A replica of Grotte Cosquer is open since June 2022. Located at the Villa Méditerranée on the esplanade J4 near the MuCEM in Marseille. It allows everyone to experience the magic of this underwater sanctuary. While the original Grotte Cosquer remains sealed to protect it. This replica stands as a testament to human ingenuity and our shared prehistoric heritage.
Rue Callelongue
A hidden paradise at the end of the world. That’s Callelongue. Callelongue isn’t just a street it’s a journey. A