Cosquer Cave: Virtual exhibit of famed prehistoric site to open in Marseille

Experts fear the famous French destination could soon be completely flooded as a result of climate change

A reproduction of cave drawings is pictured in a replica of the Cosquer Cave in the Villa Mediterranee in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, June 2, 2022. All photos: AP Photo

Reproductions of cave drawings are pictured in a replica of the Cosquer Cave in the Villa Mediterranee in Marseille, southern France, Thursday, June 2, 2022. storic paintings that made the cave internationally famous. The Cosquer Cave was discovered in 1985 by diver Henri Cosquer, nestled deep in the sea under the Marseille coastline. (AP Photo / Daniel Cole)

The Cosquer Cave was discovered in 1985 by diver Henri Cosquer.

The site is nestled deep in the sea under the Marseille coastline.

The cave drawings are believed to date back 30,000 years.

There are fears the site could become flooded entirely as a result of rising tides due to global warming.

A virtual exhibit of one of France’s most famous prehistoric sites the undersea Cosquer Cave is opening after concerns the main site could be lost to rising tides.

From today, visitors to the port city of Marseille will be able to see the Cosquer Mediterranee, a replica of the 30,000-year old site.

The visual and audio “experience” features copies of the prehistoric paintings that made the cave internationally famous.

The Cosquer Cave was discovered in 1985 by diver Henri Cosquer, in deep waters off the Marseille coastline.

Years in the making, the exhibit allows the public to explore the cave, of which only 20 per cent currently remains accessible on foot.

Officials say the cave's remaining dry areas are under threat of being flooded because of the effects of climate change.

The cave is notable for its distinct artworks, with Venus figurines and negative handprints among the artistic expression on its walls.

It is thought to have become inaccessible on foot some 9,000 years ago and "has remained untouched by human activity for around 20,000 years", according to Cosquer Mediterranee.