Souvenir Medal Monnaie de Paris 2001 - Lascaux II (24)

Lascaux II is a faithful reproduction of the famous Lascaux cave, located in Dordogne, France. The original cave houses prehistoric cave paintings dating back approximately 17,000 years, considered among the most significant in the world. Lascaux II was created to allow the public to view these paintings since the original cave has been closed to visitors for conservation reasons since 1963. This accurate replica recreates a substantial portion of the original paintings and galleries in the cave, offering an immersive experience of prehistoric art. It serves the dual purpose of protecting the original paintings while allowing visitors to explore this archaeological and artistic wonder. Both Lascaux and Lascaux II are UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their cultural and historical significance.