Monce, Marie‑HélèneVaissié, ErwanMarín Hernando, JuanFernandes, PaulAbrunhosa, AnaHardy, BruceRichard, MaïlysTorres, ConcepciónBaena, Javier2025-10-162025-10-162025-06-26Moncel, MH., Vaissié, E., Marin, J. et al. Early Middle Palaeolithic Occupations Dated to MIS 7 at the Abri du Maras (Ardèche, Southeast France). J Paleo Arch 8, 21 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41982-025-00221-62520-8217https://doi.org/10.1007/s41982-025-00221-6https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14468/30433The registered version of this article, first published in Journal of Paleolithic Archaeology, is available online at the publisher's website: Springer, https://doi.org/10.1007/s41982-025-00221-6La versión registrada de este artículo, publicado por primera vez en Journal of Paleolithic Archaeology, está disponible en línea en el sitio web del editor: Springer, https://doi.org/10.1007/s41982-025-00221-6New excavations at the Abri du Maras have yielded remains of hitherto unknown deposits (layer 6) from the base of the sequence, with a small lithic and faunal series dated to MIS 7. In this paper, we investigate this occupation, undoubtedly in a cave context, before the cave gradually gave way to a shelter where the last occupations took place. The faunal assemblage accumulated through anthropic activities, and cervids are the dominant species. There are no traces of carnivores at the site. The material indicates anthropogenic bone breakage and the use of fire, among other activities. The lithic series comprises f lint gathered in the south (Cenozoic formations), on the plateau, and in the northwest (Cretaceous formations) along the Rhône Valley. This raw material procurement suggests a restricted logistical zone, in an area between one and 3-day walk from the site. The degree of reduction of cores and products (including some Levallois), the high rate of resharpening for retouched tools, evidence of recycling, and the significant fragmentation of operating chains tend to illustrate a pattern of consumption. The management and transport of Cretaceous raw materials from the north of the site could represent a residue of individual equipment consumed and reused on site, and/or correspond to a possible leftover stockpile. Despite the limited material, the strategies observed in layer 6 at the Abri du Maras can be compared to the MIS 8–6 phase in western Europe described as the Early Middle Palaeolithic.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess5504.05 PrehistoriaartículoWestern EuropeSoutheast FranceEarly Middle PalaeolithicMarine Isotopic Stage 7artefactsfaunal remainshuman occupations