Experts describe a 12-metre-high (40-foot) cave, its walls covered in drawings of mammoths, rhinoceroses, horses, human beings and some strange beasts with long, gaping snouts, which scientists have yet to identify.
Experts describe a 12-metre-high (40-foot) cave, its walls covered in drawings of mammoths, rhinoceroses, horses, human beings and some strange beasts with long, gaping snouts, which scientists have yet to identify.
The major archaeological find, near the small village of Cussac, was made by an amateur cave explorer last September but it is only now that details of its contents have come to light.
The head of France's National Centre for Prehistory, Norbert Aujoulat, said what had impressed him most had been the monumental nature of the engravings, including a bison four metres long, and some scenes featuring up to 40 figures.
Human remains were also found in the cave, but it is not known if these date from the same period as the drawings.
South-western France is well known for its ancient cave paintings, most notably in the famous Lascaux grotto nearby. But archaeologists say that what they have found at Cussac could be equally important.
Monument
Experts do not believe they are the oldest engravings ever discovered, but they could be as much as 28,000 years old.
Culture ministry officials said the Cussac engravings were notable mainly for their exceptional condition. The designs are particularly elaborate and remain deeply etched in the cave walls.
Because of its fragile nature, the cave is unlikely to be opened to the public - France has already classified it as a historic monument.
But Bernard Cazeau, president of the regional council, said a way would be found to turn the site into an attraction, either through a replica version of the cave like the one built near Lascaux or through virtual reality displays.