Sapiens in France: 35,000 Years of History

From the era of the Chauvet Cave to that of the Carnac menhirs, here is 35,000 years of French history.
This story begins with the arrival of Homo sapiens in Europe, nearly 42,000 years ago, and ends with the first farmers, around 7000 BCE. In France, these men and women have left us precious archaeological remains: everyday tools, hunting remains, miraculously preserved dwellings, and splendid works of art. These traces reveal forgotten skills, ways of life, and beliefs.
Mostly nomadic, surrounded by abundant fauna, these few humans had to adapt to significant environmental transformations following severe cold spells or sudden warming. Yet, most of their history unfolded at a peaceful pace, far removed from that of modern societies.
Archaeologist Boris Valentin takes us to meet these first Sapiens and invites us to contemplate their images: from Chauvet to Lascaux, the painted and engraved walls bear witness to our deep kinship with these humans whose way of life was so different from our own. Incorporating the latest archaeological discoveries, this work sheds light on a little-known chapter of our past.