Cosquer Méditerranée
An immersive museum recreating, at original scale, a prehistoric underwater cave off the Calanques of Marseille; ride an exploration vehicle through the cave to see paintings of penguins, seals and handprints from about 30,000 years ago.
The Cosquer Cave was discovered in 1985 in the Calanques by diver Henri Cosquer. Its entrance lies about 37 meters below sea level, and the cave holds paintings and engravings dating from roughly 33,000 to 19,000 years ago, including great auks, seals, horses and negative handprints. Because sea levels have risen, the cave cannot be opened to the public, so in 2022 a replica was built inside the Villa Méditerranée beside MuCEM. Visitors ride an exploration vehicle through the reconstructed cave for about 35 minutes, then tour the exhibition halls. Admission is about €16; advance booking is recommended.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–19:00 (showtimes on official website)
Nearby sights
- MuCEM & Fort Saint-Jean
- Marseille Cathedral (La Major)
- La Vieille Charité
- Le Panier
- Abbey of Saint-Victor
- Old Port of Marseille
- Marseille History Museum & Jardin des Vestiges
- Notre-Dame de la Garde