The Village of the Madeleine A unique Paleolithic testimony in Tursac

DISCOVER THE TROGLODYTIC VILLAGE OF LA MADELEINE IN THE VÉZÈRE VALLEY

A prehistoric and medieval getaway near Les Eyzies in the heart of one of the major tourist sites of the Périgord Noir.

The troglodytic village of La Madeleine, nestled in Tursac, on the road between Montignac-Lascaux and Les Eyzies, offers a fascinating dive into the history of the Magdalenian, dating back no less than 17,000 years.

Explore this unique site, a witness to human occupation over the centuries, in an exceptional natural setting, at the heart of the major tourist sites of the Périgord Noir.

A prehistoric immersion in the Vézère valley

La Madeleine reveals itself as a troglodytic village with its sumptuous rock shelters in the heart of nature.

On the route to Prehistory, in the Vézère valley, this site of great importance immerses visitors in the heart of the lives of our ancestors.

An invitation to explore a friendly village, completely new in the region, offering a unique perspective on different eras of human occupation.

An enriching visit to La Madeleine

The guided tour, conducted by enthusiasts, is recommended to fully appreciate this site, although self-guided exploration (with audio guide) is also possible.

Enhanced with clear and educational interpretive panels, the visit allows you to understand the uses, customs, trades, activities, habitat and food preservation in different eras.

The village of La Madeleine is an experience that evolves with the seasons, offering a pleasant family walk to enjoy for at least half a day, or even longer if you plan a picnic.

A linear walk through the heart of prehistory

The visit begins with magnificent views of a meander of the Vézère River, overlooking this part of the valley. During the warmer months, you can watch canoes navigating the river.

After passing through a wooded area, you will reach the foot of the cliff, where shelters reconstructed with different period materials are revealed. Some are semi-troglodytic, built against the cliff face, while others exploit the natural crevices of the limestone to become true habitats.

The Madeleine is not simply an exhibition or a chance reconstruction, but a true educational site.

The museum's displays enlighten visitors about the different periods of occupation, highlighting customs, architectural techniques, trades, activities, housing, and food preservation.

A journey back to the Middle Ages in the heart of the village

La Madeleine reveals its medieval past with the old fortified castle of Petit Marzac in ruins, halfway through the visit.

During the Middle Ages, the site was a small fortified town, complete with a castle and all the necessary amenities. The magnificent communal oven, used for baking bread for the lord and his villagers, captivates visitors.

The village of La Madeleine thus offers a plunge into history, revealing an occupation of the site in the Middle Ages, with a small town equipped with defensive installations and infrastructure for daily life.

The Peasants of La Madeleine: A Journey Through Time

The village tour continues with an exploration of a new place, which emerged four years ago: Les Paysans de la Madeleine.

Managed by the Hamelin family, this site complements the troglodytic village. Charles and Louis develop the village, while Marie, Louis' sister, realizes a peasant farm project.

Together, they revive the traditions of the former inhabitants of La Madeleine, offering an authentic link with the past. Visitors can discover the vegetable garden, an exhibition in a former tobacco drying shed, the farm animals, the medicinal garden and the bakehouse.

An educational and delicious experience

The farmers of La Madeleine pass on the know-how of farming through rich experiences.

The farm farm offers an immersion in the peasant world, with workshops, activities, traditional dance evenings and the Festival of Old Trades in May (for the Ascension weekend).

New "nature" activities are offered, such as animal tracking and cosmetic care workshops using plants from the medicinal garden.

Adults can learn the basics of blacksmithing. An exhibition of photos, objects, and agricultural tools in a tobacco drying barn offers a true immersion into the site's past. On certain evenings, storytelling sessions bring tales and legends to life in the fantastical setting of the village clinging to the limestone cliff.

A historical discovery of the La Madeleine site

The La Madeleine site was discovered in 1863 by Edouard Lartet and Henry Christy, two enthusiasts of primitive art. The prehistoric site dates back to the occupation of hunter-gatherers and excavations have revealed flint tools, spear points, decorated limestone plaques, sculptures and engravings of animals, perforated batons, bone needles, pendants and ornaments.

The most extraordinary discovery was an engraving of a mammoth on a fragment of ivory, proving the coexistence of humans and mammoths. La Madeleine thus became a strategic refuge in the ^10th century, offering protection against Norman invasions.

An evolution over the centuries

Over the centuries, La Madeleine flourished thanks to its favorable environment. The proximity of the alluvial plains facilitated livestock farming and agriculture. The surrounding plateaus provided game, and the Vézère River was a crucial economic artery. River bargemen transported various goods, stimulating local economic growth. La Madeleine prospered until the Industrial Revolution and the arrival of the railway.

The Peasants of La Madeleine: the transmission of common sense in farming

Since 2020, the village of La Madeleine has been looking to the future with the La Madeleine Farmers' Farm. This educational farm aims to pass on traditional farming skills, reconnecting the cliffside community with their environment. The site showcases the area's natural beauty.

A gourmet experience in summer

In summer, visitors can discover the farm's production, from the vegetable garden to the bakery, with artisanal sourdough bread baked in a wood-fired oven. Plants and vegetables from the garden supply the restaurant area, offering a delicious outdoor experience.

Immerse yourself in history and nature at La Madeleine, a preserved prehistoric and medieval site, offering an educational and enriching experience for all history and heritage enthusiasts.

Enjoy a full or half-day family outing exploring the secrets of La Madeleine and discovering rural traditions with Les Paysans de La Madeleine. A journey back in time to the heart of the Périgord Noir awaits you.