“I have visited the Chauvet Cave”: the heritage experience of a rock art replica

Over 90% of visitors to the Cave of Chauvet 2, a physical replica of the UNESCO-listed Decorated Cave of Pont d'Arc (Grotte Chauvet-Pont d'Arc), reported an authentic heritage experience, with many experiencing hyperreality—a phenomenon where reality and simulation merge subconsciously. This study challenges traditional notions of authenticity in heritage sites by comparing physical replicas to digital reproductions, focusing on the visitor's perception rather than academic definitions. Researchers conducted interviews and observations at Chauvet 2 (2016–2017) to analyze how visitors engage with the replica, revealing its potential to evoke deep emotional and sensory responses akin to those of the original cave.

Duval, M., Smith, B., Gauchon, C., Mayer, L., & Malgat, C. (2019). “I have visited the Chauvet Cave”: the heritage experience of a rock art replica. International Journal of Heritage Studies, 26(2), 142–162. https://doi.org/10.1080/13527258.2019.1620832