The Aldène cave, also known as the Coquille cave, Minerve cave, or Fauzan cave, is located in the municipality of Cesseras (Hérault department, Occitanie region).
Geographical coordinates: approximately 43.35361 N, 2.69833 E
It opens onto the right bank of the Cesse River, at a height of about 45 m above the riverbed, at an altitude of about 270 m.
Geological and speleological characteristics
- The cave network extends over more than 9 km spread across four hydrogeological levels.
- The first two levels are fossil (without active flow).
- The third level is temporarily supplied during floods.
- The fourth level corresponds to part of the permanent underground course of the Cesse River.
- The network develops in Eocene marine limestone (alveolar limestone) superimposed on older schist-dolomitic formations.
- The layout of the galleries follows fairly orthogonal fracture lines, with numerous secondary connections, some of which are unexplored, collapses, etc.
Archeology & human occupations
The Aldène cave is a major prehistoric site:
- It was frequented from the Lower Paleolithic period onwards, then during the Upper Paleolithic period (Aurignacian with engravings), the Mesolithic period, and the Bronze Age.
- In some of the network’s galleries, human footprints and torch marks have been discovered on the walls and floor, linked to prehistoric visits.
- The “Paul Ambert gallery” (discovered in 1948) is particularly well known for these traces.
- In terms of dating, stalagmite floors and charcoal finds have made it possible to associate certain engravings with the Aurignacian period.
- It is estimated that more than 400 footprints could be identified.
- Archaeological studies suggest that prehistoric visitors made deliberate forays into the cave, managing their lighting (with torches) and marking their progress.
Recent history & usage
- From 1888 to 1937, the cave was exploited for its phosphate deposits (produced by the decomposition of animal bones), which were used as fertilizer (known as “minervite”).
- It has been classified as a historic monument since January 17, 1955.
- In 1948, Father Dominique (or Denis) Cathala discovered an additional level with archaeological remains. This level was named the “Cathala” network.
🗺️ Map of the caving network
The Aldène cave extends for approximately 9 km across four hydrogeological levels. The first two levels are fossilized, the third is temporarily fed during floods, and the fourth corresponds to part of the permanent underground course of the Cesse River. Detailed maps of these levels are available in the scientific article by Philippe Galant, Paul Ambert, and Albert Colomer, entitled “Prehistoric Speleological Exploration in the Cave of Aldène in Cesseras (Hérault, France): Human Footprint Paths and Lighting Management.”
🧭 Conditions of access and visits
Access to the cave is strictly regulated due to its archaeological and geological value. Visits are generally organized by caving clubs or specialized associations.
