Le Village de la Madeleine

The Madeleine Grand Site is an invitation to go back in time... This exceptional natural site, among the best preserved in the Vézère valley, has attracted people from prehistoric times to the present day. At the foot of the cliff, 17,000 years ago, semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers settled there. The prehistoric site has given its name to this prehistoric civilization : the Magdalenian.

The exhibition retraces the great discoveries of the archaeological site :
• the Mammoth engraved… in Mammoth ivory
• the burial of the child of the Madeleine, whose adornment is made of more than 1150 pierced shells...
• and well sure, the masterpiece which represents the apogee of the art of our Cro-Magnon ancestors : the Bison "which licks its side"

Halfway up the cliff, you will discover a medieval troglodytic village. It has been inhabited since the early Middle Ages until the end of the 19th century. Among the buildings dug in the rock, a remarkable 15th century Gothic chapel is hung on the cliff. On the upper floor, on the limestone plateau, are the remains of the castle of Petit-Marzac, built in the 13th century.

Here, the spectator's eye will humbly observe the know-how and ingenuity of these rural "troglodytes" who have taken advantage of their natural environment (stone, wood, water and agricultural land) to build their refuge. In these times when we wonder about the use of our resources, coming to be inspired by what has been done at the Madeleine can serve as an example for our future.

New this year ! The creation of a dozen apiaries, to preserve bee colonies.
Prepare to live an extraordinary journey, which will take you from prehistory (-17,000 years) to the present day, passing through the Middle Ages... Enjoy your visit !

During the summer (July, August) a salad bar and legumes is offered with local and organic products. All homemade !