TROGLODYTIC HOUSES
Cave houses (or «cave») are characteristic of Touraine and Val de Loire. You can find on both sides of Tours, especially by going to Saumur. They are dwellings dug in the soft stone. The people have found an economic way to stay, but also a good way to conserve agricultural production and grow mushrooms. Since the construction of Renaissance castles requires large amounts of lime, mining quarries have grown throughout the region. One of the most famous sites is Mamoutier, where Saint Martin and his followers settled. This is where he founded Mamoutier Abbey in 372 (transformed into a private school in the th). Nowadays, tourangeaux continue to inhabit cave houses even though many of these caves have become restaurants or wine cellars. So much better, we can visit them!
Book the Best Activities with Get Your Guide
Members' reviews on TROGLODYTIC HOUSES
