Lanslevillard, Maurienne, Savoie, France

This rock has over 43 cupmarks on its top surface. It overlooks a steep drop, beside a stream. There is masive debate over the dating of cupmarks, but they are generally thought to be Neolithic or Bronze Age. 

Lanslevillard, Maurienne, Savoie, France

This stone might be a new one for the record. I found it in the middle of a thunderstorm, so couldn't hang around. I have the location recorded with the Leica GPS and so can go back. It looks as though it has some intricate designs, but it needs to be examined under good light. 

Lanslevillard, Maurienne, Savoie, France

Higher up towards the treeline this large boulder has several historic inscriptions on it. On the top is this basin and groove, which is attributed to the Neolithic. I am becoming increasingly aware of these basins and grooves, and there are some further down the valley at Aussois. The cupmark in the basin has vertical sides, which supposedly suggests that it is created with metal tools. 

Lanslevillard, Maurienne, Savoie, France

This shows some of the intricate designs on the rock. 

Lanslevillard, Maurienne, Savoie, France

Again, this shows the extent of the damage. 

Lanslevillard, Maurienne, Savoie, France

You can clearly see the damage running across the extraordinary Bronze Age carvings. 

Lanslevillard, Maurienne, Savoie, France

This photo shows the damage that has been done to the top of this stone. So far most of the damage is not on the prehistoric rock art itself, but some of the damage is. 

Lanslevillard, Maurienne, Savoie, France

This exraordinary example of Bronze Age rock art is under serious threat of damage from ski piste grooming machines. See other photos. 

Aussois, Maurienne, Savoie, France

This Iron Age depiction of a dog (left) and a chamois (right) typifies much of the rock art in this area. 

Aussois, Maurienne, Savoie, France

Not all the rock art at Aussois is prehistoric. This recent carving demonstrates just how well the other carvings would have shown up when freshly created.

If anyone knows Caroline aor Johann, could they please ask them to go and record their passions elsewhere! 

Aussois, Maurienne, Savoie, France

The association of this Iron Age Warrior and what is probably a representation of a field has been interpreted as being Mars, as the protector of crops. A very similar depiction has been found on a 4th century BC ceramic pot from central Italy. 

Roche des Poignards (Upper Ubaye Valley, France)

Showing the (Neolithic?) ochre markings cut through by the Copper Age solar-crowned male figure (you can see the foot on the right) and the Remedello daggers (on the left).

There appears to be some potential damage from a varnish like substance running down this panel. This is the darker streaking. I am not sure about the source of this at present. 

Solar Symbol on Pottery (Gap Museum)

This fragment of pottery with a scratched solar symbol dates from the middle Neolithic. Decorated pottery is unusual east of the River Rhone, and this symbol may have parallels in some Alpine Rock Art. 

Serre des Fourches Stone (Gap Museum)

Cup and Ring marked stone from the Serre des Fourches buirial site near Tallard in the Hautes-Alpes. Discovered in 1865, this large stone formed part of the rectangular rock lined tomb that was orientated to the southwest.

No date is given for the rock, but it is likely to be from the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age.