The Upper Paleolithic period in Europe lasted from 50,000 BCE to 10,000 BCE. In the latter stages of this period, between 17,000 and 10,000 BCE, a culture known as the Epigravettian flourished across the Mediterranean, Central and Eastern Europe. Now, for the first time, the remains of a member of that culture have been found in Southeastern France, at a site known as Cuges-les-Pins.
     A team of archaeologists from INRAP (Institut National de Recherches Archéologiques Preventives) have been investigating the site since March 2013. Although the remains are currently being Carbon-14 dated, it is believed that the original assumptions on date and period are correct. If so, then this find could be of special significance. Of the eight sites where Epigravettian remains have been found so far, all are located  in either caves or rock shelters. This would be the first example to be found in an 'outdoor' camp.
     This site is proving to be quite lucrative in other ways, as several artefacts have been found from the Middle Neolithic period (4,500 - 4,000 BCE).

Edited from Past Horizons (14 July 2013)