© Village de la Madeleine
© Village de la Madeleine
© Village de la Madeleine
La Madeleine, Tursac
Uninhabited troglodyte village dating back to prehistoric times
This village on the Vézère river has been inhabited since prehistoric times when cavemen dwelled in the rock shelters offered in the sides of the cliffs.
Archaeologists have found jewellery and tools here from Roman times too. The troglodyte village you see today originates back to about the 10th century. Its fortifications were built around the 12th century, although there are limited remains of these left today. It has an intact part-troglodyte chapel dating from the 15th century and the remains of a number of houses. No longer inhabited, it was abandoned in the early 20th century.
Who should go
This outdoor museum is great fun for all the family - a great trip back in history.
Visitor comments
- "I can easily see why people decided to settle here, a breathtakingly beautiful spot on a bend in the river. Well looked after and being maintained constantly it's a nice little visit, won't take you long to get round it and I would advise against going on a really hot day, we visited late oct in the sunshine and it was baking." - Trip Advisor
- "We took our 2 kids, ages 10 and 12, to this outdoor museum and were amazed at the well-preserved site. The kids loved being able to walk through the rooms, chapel, and feel how it must have been to live on this high cliff above the river." - Trip Advisor
- "A great place to visit, wonderful scenery, close to the river with stunning views of the meander. The little chapel hanging off the cliff side is a great piece of architecture for the age." - Trip Advisor
When to come
July-August: 09:30-20:00
Workshops for children (aged 5 to 12) in July-August
- Every Wednesday from 11:00 to 12:00 engraving workshop
- Every Thursday from 11:00 to 12:00 prehistoric painting workshop
May, June, September: 10:00-19:00
April, October: 10:00-18:00
November-March: Open every weekend and school holidays: 10:00-18:00
How to book
Tickets are available at the welcome desk when you arrive.
