Member of the Signature Club
Photo Aerienne Site Troglodytique Madeleine Credits Photos Decli Decolle
A treasure of history
Village troglodytique de la Madeleine
A wonderful afternoon.
Beautiful views and an informative walk for both adults and children. A warm welcome and very friendly staff. What remarkable work. Congratulations to the whole team for making it possible to visit hidden gems like this. We had a truly lovely afternoon.
5 good reasons to visit the Village troglodytique de la Madeleine
- A journey through time : Discover a place rich in history and relive the daily life of troglodyte inhabitants across different eras, from the Paleolithic to the Middle Ages.
- A unique architecture : Admire the dwellings carved into the rock, the narrow winding lanes and the seamless integration of the village into its natural surroundings.
- A breathtaking view : Enjoy an exceptional panorama over the Vézère valley and the surrounding landscape.
- A fully immersive experience : Step into a peaceful and timeless atmosphere where nature and history come together.
- An ideal place for the whole family : Both children and adults will be amazed by this unusual site and the activities on offer.
Discover the history of troglodyte dwellings
The Village troglodytique de la Madeleine stands as a remarkable example of how people adapted to their environment. Carved directly into the cliff, the troglodyte dwellings create a striking spectacle. Imagine walking through these homes sculpted from the rock, their irregular openings letting in natural light, their interiors cool and quiet. Feel the unique atmosphere of this place where past and present come together.
The architecture of the village reflects ingenuity and a deep connection with nature. The houses blend seamlessly into the cliff, following its shapes and contours. Narrow and winding lanes weave between the dwellings, forming a captivating and mysterious labyrinth.
The cliff provided ideal conditions for settlement with its south facing exposure, the proximity of the Vézère river for water and transport, and a forested plateau rich in wildlife. It is likely for these reasons that people chose this location and lived here for centuries.
Interieur Maison Tisserand
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Explore the Village troglodytique de la Madeleine
Visit this remarkable site where time seems to stand still. Inhabited from the Paleolithic period until the 19th century, it offers a fascinating glimpse into a rich archaeological heritage. From prehistoric remains to a 14th century Gothic chapel, every corner of the village tells the story of past eras. Between traces of human presence and the ruins of a medieval castle, you will discover one of the longest records of human occupation in the Vézère valley. Do not miss this journey into the past, a powerful reflection of the evolution of human settlement through the ages.
Discover the prehistoric and medieval heritage
Learn more about the Magdalenian period by exploring the prehistoric remains discovered at Village troglodytique de la Madeleine. Although the archaeological site itself is not open to the public, an exhibition at the entrance helps explain the importance of the findings, including a mammoth engraving on an ivory fragment. The village, fortified during the Middle Ages, served as a strategic refuge during the Norman invasions and the Hundred Years War. The ruins of the Petit Marzac castle and the communal oven recall these turbulent times, when the natural protection of the cliff provided shelter for its inhabitants.
La Forge
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VIP experience
Enjoy exclusive access to the Village troglodytique de la Madeleine.
Step into medieval gastronomy during a two hour experience with Jeanne, a passionate cook. Dressed in period costume, you will prepare dishes using a 13th century communal oven and cook over an open fire. Then enjoy your creations on a terrace overlooking the Vézère, with dishes such as chicken ambroisine, apple fritters, mushroom pie and many other traditional recipes.
Duration
Allow around 3 hours and 30 minutes with a two hour cooking workshop from 10 am to 12 pm followed by the meal from 12 pm to 1.30 pm.
The experience includes
Two hours of cooking with Jeanne and her assistant. Selection of herbs for the recipe. A meal including starter, main course and dessert with a glass of wine. Medieval costume and cooking equipment provided. The recipe is sent by email after the workshop.
The experience does not include
Travel to Village troglodytique de la Madeleine. Entrance ticket to the site if you wish to visit it. Drinks such as juices, wines and local beers, payable on site during the workshop or the meal.
Conditions
A deposit of 22 € is required to confirm your booking. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the activity may be cancelled up to four days in advance with a full refund of the deposit.
Village Troglodytique de la Madeleine préparation pain
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Village Troglodytique de la Madeleine préparation pain
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Village Troglodytique de la Madeleine préparation pain
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Village Troglodytique de la Madeleine préparation pain
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Let yourself be surprised by the magic of the place
The atmosphere of the Village troglodytique de la Madeleine is truly unique. As you walk through the narrow lanes and dwellings carved into the rock, you feel completely disconnected from the outside world, immersed in a timeless setting. The silence, gently broken by birdsong and the murmur of the Vézère river below, creates a peaceful atmosphere ideal for contemplation. The guides, known for their passion, offer a deep and engaging insight into the past and a guided visit is highly recommended. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, an audio guide can be accessed on your smartphone at the entrance, designed like a series of podcasts and narrated by the owner and the site’s artisans.
The beauty of the surrounding landscape adds to the charm of the site. From the top of the cliff, you can admire an exceptional panorama over the Vézère valley, its winding river and green hillsides. The light, changing throughout the day, creates subtle contrasts on the rock, enhancing the shapes and colours of the village. For a different perspective, you can also choose to explore the Vézère by canoe, where the scale of the site and the height of the cliff reveal themselves in a striking way as the light reflects on the ochre stone of La Madeleine.
Vue Emblematique Du Village 2 Studioguy Souillac
Escaliers Chapelle Madeleine
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Vue Aerienne Falaise Madeleine
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Jardin Des Simples Chateau Et Entree Du Village
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Highlights for 2025
The Village troglodytique de la Madeleine is preparing a season full of discoveries. In addition to the classic visits that immerse visitors in the history of this unique place, the site’s farm offers a glimpse into rural life of the past. Storytelling evenings will also return, delighting both children and adults with captivating tales that echo against the rock walls.
Sechoir A Tabac Ferme La Madeleine
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Ambiance Ferme Madeleine D Antan
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Soiree Village Troglodytique De La Madeleine A Tursac
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Soiree Village Troglodytique De La Madeleine A Tursac01
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Soiree Contes Village Troglodytique De La Madeleine A Tursac Cp Studio Guy Souillac
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Soiree Contes Village Troglodytique De La Madeleine A Tursac
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Soiree Contes Village Troglodytique De La Madeleine A Tursac01
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Soiree Contes Village Troglodytique De La Madeleine A Tursac02
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Tips for successful visit
Wear comfortable shoes
To walk along the steep paths of Village troglodytique de la Madeleine.
Bring a hat in summer
In summer, remember to bring a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun and make the most of your visit.
Use a baby carrier
A baby carrier is recommended rather than a stroller, which is not suitable for the steep paths along the cliff.
Do not forget your camera
To capture this remarkable place.
Answers to your questions
- Are guided tours available ?
Yes, interactive guided tours are offered every day from 1 June to 30 September at Village troglodytique de la Madeleine. The visit lasts around 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- Is the site accessible to visitors with reduced mobility ?
There are no major difficulties in accessing the cliff site, however the layout does not allow visits by wheelchair.
- Are there activities for children ?
Yes, during the summer period, medieval activities are offered with demonstrations of traditional crafts and workshops around prehistoric life for children. Storytelling evenings take place on site at night, with tales adapted for the whole family. There is also an educational farm where animals are cared for each summer morning, along with dedicated workshops for children.
- Can you picnic on site ?
Yes, it is possible to picnic on site and enjoy a friendly moment surrounded by nature.
- Are there dining options on site ?
Yes, during the summer, food options are available on site for visitors.
- Can you access the Vézère river for swimming ?
Yes, there is direct access to the Vézère from the site, allowing you to relax and cool off in the water.
- Are dogs allowed on site ?
Yes, dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash and basic cleanliness rules are respected.
Contact Us
Information and contact details
Contact
05 53 46 36 88 | lamadeleinegrandsite@gmail.com
Web Site :
https://la-madeleine-perigord.com/
Opening times
Opening hours vary depending on the season. For more information, please visit the official website of Village troglodytique de la Madeleine.
Prices
Prices vary according to different conditions. For more information, please consult the official website.
