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All France Vallon-Pont-d'Arc Pont d'Arc

Pont d'Arc

A natural arch carved by a river gave its name to the so-called "Cave of Forgotten Dreams."

Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, France

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philoursmars
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Pont d’Arc   philoursmars / Atlas Obscura User
Pont d’Arc   philoursmars / Atlas Obscura User
  Mathias Van de Velde / Atlas Obscura User
  Mathias Van de Velde / Atlas Obscura User
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Spanning the calm Ardèche River, the Pont d'Arc is a colossal geologic feature that acts as a gate to the Ardèche Canyon where the world's oldest cave paintings are located.

Carved out of a solid stone wall over millennia, the large stone arch is often thought of as the gateway to the winding canyon. Countless canoe enthusiasts flock to the site each year to swim and embark on leisurely trips downstream. The rocky overpass also gives its name to the nearby Chauvet-Pont d'Arc Cave which contains the world's oldest cave paintings and was made famous by the Werner Herzog documentary, "Cave of Forgotten Dreams."    

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Geology Geological Oddities Film Locations Film

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Added By

philoursmars

Edited By

Mathias Van de Velde

  • Mathias Van de Velde

Published

February 25, 2014

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  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pont_d%27Arc
Pont d'Arc
Combe d'Arc
Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, 07150
France
44.381961, 4.416035
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