Expérience Métiers d'Antan à La MadeleineThe Village de la Madeleine, located in the heart of the Vézère Valley in the Périgord Noir, is an extraordinary site that tells the story of human life over thousands of years.
This unique troglodyte village is a captivating blend of prehistory, medieval past and traditional farming practices where visitors can unfold an incredible 17 000 years of history.
The site of La Madeleine gave its name to the Magdalenian period, which stretches from 17,000 to 12,000 years ago. This prehistoric site was discovered in 1863 by two passionate amateur archaeologists, Edouard Lartet and Henry Christy.
Though prehistory was not yet a formal discipline, Lartet and Christy were convinced of the existence of ancient human settlements. Their meticulous research led them to the Vézère Valley, regions rich in rock shelters and diverse ecosystems that could support early human life.
From the first day of excavation at the foot of the cliff, the findings were astonishing. Flint tools of various forms, antler weapons such as daggers and harpoons, and exquisite engravings of animals on limestone slabs and reindeer antlers were uncovered.
The most spectacular discovery, however, was an engraving of a mammoth on a fragment of ivory tusk—evidence that prehistoric humans and mammoths coexisted. This find made headlines, confirming the existence of a time before recorded history: prehistory.
Thanks to the significance of the findings, archaeologists named this era the Magdalenian period, after the La Madeleine site itself.
The artifacts found here provide a remarkable insight into the daily lives, artistic expression, and survival skills of the hunter-gatherers who roamed the area thousands of years ago.
La Madeleine’s importance did not fade with the end of the prehistoric era. By the 9th century, it had become a strategic refuge from the Norman invasions. Like many troglodytic dwellings in the Périgord region, La Madeleine’s cliff-side location made it an ideal shelter from invaders and looters who threatened local populations.
The village was nestled in a natural cavity that cuts into the cliff face, overlooking the Vézère River, which forms a nearly complete loop at this point. In the early medieval period, the homes were mostly built from wood or cob, but by the time of the Hundred Years’ War, which saw the French and English fight for control of Aquitaine, stone structures dominated.
The remains visible today date primarily from this later medieval period. Most notably, the fortified castle of Petit-Marzac was constructed here, and the village itself was organised along feudal lines. A private chapel, with a rare blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, still stands today.
Expérience Métiers d'Antan à La Madeleine
Expérience Métiers d'Antan à La MadeleineThanks to its location, La Madeleine thrived throughout the centuries. The surrounding alluvial plains were ideal for farming, and the forests on the plateaux provided ample hunting grounds for both nobility and commoners alike.
The nearby Vézère River was more than just a source of fish; it became an essential artery of commerce, with barges transporting goods such as wine, wood, salt, cereals, and spices. This economic activity helped make Aquitaine one of the most prosperous regions in medieval Europe.
La Madeleine’s prosperity lasted well into the 19th century, but like many rural communities, it was impacted by the arrival of the Industrial Revolution and the advent of the railway, which shifted trade routes and economic centres.
Expérience Métiers d'Antan à La Madeleine
Expérience Métiers d'Antan à La Madeleine
Expérience Métiers d'Antan à La MadeleineIn 2020, the Village de la Madeleine embarked on an exciting new chapter in its history with the establishment of the Paysans de La Madeleine farm.
This educational project aims to reconnect visitors with the traditional peasant farming practices that sustained the region for centuries. It’s a way to not only showcase the area’s natural beauty but also to pass down essential knowledge of sustainable farming and living.
The farm is an integral part of the village, with a vegetable garden, farm animals, and a medicinal garden that echo the self-sufficient lifestyle of La Madeleine’s past inhabitants. There is even a bakery that produces bread from natural sourdough, baked in a traditional wood-fired oven.
In the summer months, the Village de la Madeleine offers a range of activities for everyone. Animal feeding sessions, guided tours of the tobacco kiln and medicinal plant workshops allow visitors to interact with the farm and its history on a deeper level.
Various demonstrations showcase some of the medieval skills in the area. One highlight is learning about the ancient culinary craft of bread-making, with fascinating explanations and live demos using the village’s original medieval bread ovens (it is France after all!).
For kids in summertime, prehistoric rock painting and a small farm onsite also allows younger ones to pet sheep and goats.
For yoga enthusiasts, there’s a unique opportunity to deepen your practice amidst the tranquillity of this stunning site. Outdoor yoga sessions at dusk during the summer months allow participants to soak in the natural beauty of the surroundings. It’s the perfect way to relax, reflect and connect with nature as the sun sets.
Expérience Métiers d'Antan à La Madeleine
Expérience Métiers d'Antan à La Madeleine
Expérience Métiers d'Antan à La MadeleineThe tour begins with breathtaking views of the Vézère River as it winds its way through the valley. As you approach the village, the troglodyte shelters emerge, clinging to the limestone cliff and blending seamlessly with their natural surroundings. Some of these dwellings were using the natural shape of the rock, while others were constructed using a combination of natural and man-made materials.
Clear interpretive panels throughout the site explain the significance of the village’s various elements, from the prehistoric engravings to the remains of the medieval castle.
In the off-peak season, visitors can make the most of guided tours led by passionate history specialists who bring the history of the site to life.
Alternatively, visitors can opt for the audioguide, which is available in multiple languages, including English. Simply bring your own earphones and enjoy the audioguide on your smartphone or tablet at no extra cost. For those who don’t have earphones, they are available at the entrance for €2.
5977 Village Troglodytique De La Madeleine Dordogne Libre
