France’s Oldest Neolithic Settlement Unearthed on the French Riviera!
A groundbreaking archaeological discovery has unveiled one of France's earliest Neolithic settlements, dating back to the Early Cardial period. Situated in the picturesque town of Cavalaire-sur-Mer on the French Riviera, this remarkable find is shedding new light on the lives of early farmers in the region.
Led by the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap), excavations began in May as part of a 4,200-square-metre preventive dig ahead of a planned urban renewal project. The dig, which continues until late January, has already yielded extraordinary insights into a key moment in human history—the shift from a nomadic lifestyle to a settled, agricultural existence.
Photo Credit: Sylvain Barbier, Inrap
The Neolithic Revolution Along the Mediterranean
The Early Cardial period, around 5800 BCE, marked a significant cultural transformation. Known for its distinctive pottery, decorated with serrated impressions from Cardial shells, this period originated in Anatolia before spreading westward along the Mediterranean. Archaeologists have traced this cultural wave through Greece, southern Italy, and eventually southern France, where it introduced agriculture and livestock farming.
The Cavalaire-sur-Mer settlement represents only the second site of its kind discovered in France, offering crucial evidence of these early Mediterranean communities. Similarities to Neolithic sites in Greece, Slovenia, and central Italy underscore the eastern origins of this cultural diffusion, highlighting its role in shaping Europe’s agro-pastoral economies.
A Rare Window into Early Cardial Life
Beneath four metres of alluvial deposits in a coastal valley, archaeologists uncovered a structure dating to the Early Cardial period. Positioned 1.3 metres beneath layers from the Middle Neolithic (ca. 4800 BCE), the building’s age was firmly established. Measuring approximately 7 by 5 metres, the structure featured two parallel stone walls and a small apse, although erosion has left much of it incomplete.
The walls, reinforced with a mix of raw earth and gravel, contained ceramic fragments decorated with Cardial motifs, confirming the structure's cultural affiliation. Its layout closely resembles Neolithic buildings found in central Italy, bolstering the theory of a shared cultural origin.
A Glimpse into Early Farming Communities
The site also revealed isolated hearths and a cluster of fire-related features within a 4-square-metre area, possibly enclosed by postholes. These findings suggest the settlement was highly organised, with spaces dedicated to specific activities. This discovery offers rare insight into the lives of France’s earliest farmers, highlighting a functional and diverse community.
Photo Credit: Sylvain Barbier, Inrap
Preserving a Fragile Past
Neolithic architecture in France is notoriously difficult to study due to its perishable nature. Open-air settlements rarely survive the passage of time, making the Cavalaire-sur-Mer site a particularly significant find. Earlier discoveries, such as the Peiro Signado site in Languedoc and Courthézon in Vaucluse, have provided glimpses into this period but remain limited in scope.
This latest excavation not only deepens our understanding of the Early Cardial period but also underscores the importance of preserving and studying these rare archaeological treasures. As the dig continues, Cavalaire-sur-Mer is proving to be an invaluable key to unlocking the mysteries of Europe’s Neolithic past.