The Museum of Prehistory & the Caves of Saulges - Sainte-Suzanne les Coëvrons Tourist Office

In the heart of the Erve Valley , near Sainte-Suzanne , lies an exceptional site not to be missed during your stay in Mayenne: the Saulges Caves Valley and its Prehistory Museum . 🦇

Located in a Natura 2000 area , the museum traces the history of prehistoric men through their lifestyles, the tools they used, but also the artistic achievements they were able to create.

Did you know that the Saulges caves are the only decorated caves north of the Loire ? During your visit, the caves will reveal their true treasures: parietal art (prehistoric engravings), stalactites, stalagmites and an underground lake, which will surprise you.

Travel through time through the Museum of Prehistory

Located at the gateway to the Land of Art and History , the Museum of Prehistory offers you the discovery of the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods , through archaeological collections found in the department of Mayenne, as well as exhibitions.

To immerse yourself in the time of our ancestors, various interactive digital devices are available such as digital content, a virtual tour of the Mayenne-Sciences cave, and also an augmented reality game!

Find all prices, opening times and visits on the Prehistory Museum website.

Explore the mysterious Saulges Caves 🦇

The Saulges Caves Valley currently has 22 known caves, including the Margot Cave, Rochefort, Mayenne-Sciences and the Goat Cave.

Cliffs of the Saulges Caves, © Hello Travelers – Sainte-Suzanne les Coëvrons Tourist Office

Exploring the Saulges caves, you will be amazed by the geological formations that have been shaped over the years. You will observe prehistoric engravings, bat populations , and also traces of archaeological excavations.

Guided tours are offered to visit the Grotte Margot, an ornate cave classified as a Historical Monument, and Rochefort, which is a dwelling cave.

Others can be visited freely, such as the Goat Cave.

For more information on possible visits to the Caves, please consult the website of the Museum of Prehistory directly.

Discovering the Mayenne-Sciences cave

In the 19th century, excavations were carried out in this cavity, which was then called the Dérouine Cave, because prehistoric remains were found there. However, the research did not open any access to the cave.

It was only in 1967 , thanks to the Mayenne-Sciences speleological section, that an opening in the cave was discovered . Thus, the cave was renamed: Mayenne-Sciences Cave!

This cave contains true treasures , including several prehistoric drawings dating back more than 25,000 years. This makes Mayenne-Sciences an extremely fragile site that must be preserved at all costs ; it is therefore inaccessible to the public. But dear speleologists, it is possible to venture there in virtual reality for total immersion in the heart of prehistory!

Lezbroz – Teddy Verneuil – Mayenne Tourism

Things to see in the Saulges Caves Valley

In the Saulges Caves Valley, follow hiking trail no. 33 and cross the Japanese stepping stones above the Erve River. A place that will enchant you!