Prehistoric Chauvet Cave

In the Ardèche department of France, in the Rhône-Alpes region, a replica of Chauvet Cave, known for its many prehistoric paintings, will open in late 2014. Chauvet Cave, whose paintings predate those of the famous Lascaux Caves by about 19,000 years, contains more than 1,000 representations, including 424 depictions of 14 animal species.

The replica cave, measuring 37,000 square feet, attempts to simulate the experience of the actual 91,000-square-foot cave, which is closed to the public to preserve its paintings. Entry fees and hours have not been announced. Contact the French tourism board (825 Third Ave., New York, NY 10022; 212/838-7800).