The troglodyte village of La Madeleine is one of the jewels of Tursac, this small town in Périgord which is lucky enough to be nestled in a preserved valley: the Vézère valley. Opposite is the Château de Marzac, a few kilometers upstream, the Lascaux cave, and downstream, the world capital of Prehistory. Visiting La Madeleine is an essential stop during your trip to Périgord Noir!
A cliff inhabited since prehistoric times
In Dordogne, it is not uncommon to find troglodyte sites, La Roque Saint-Christophe is also a few kilometers from the village of La Madeleine. However, the troglodytic site of La Madeleine has a particularity which makes itone of the major sites of Prehistory.
He gave his name to a prehistoric period: the Magdalenian. Archaeological research has made it possible to date human occupation of the site as early as 17000 BC.
For safety reasons, the village of Madeleine cannot open its deposit where fragments of mammoth ivory, engravings and flint tools were discovered. However, a museography at the entrance to the site allows you to learn more about this prehistoric occupation. If you wish to explore the subject in more depth, go a few kilometers further down the valley: to the village of Les Eyzies, renowned for being the capital of prehistory. Museum and Interpretation Center await you there.
An impressive troglodyte village
The village dug into the cliff allowed the inhabitants of Périgord to protect themselves during Norman invasions around the year 1000.
Then it was the turn of the Hundred Years War to ravage the Dordogne a few centuries later. Here again, the troglodyte village of La Madeleine served as shelter and refuge. An entire life was organized on the cliffside. Moreover, the chapel, still visible today, is one of the best preserved vestiges of this part of the history of the Madeleine.
Activities to relive the medieval era
During the summer period and occasionally, the troglodyte village of La Madeleine comes back to life to the rhythm of the troubadours and other craftsmen who once worked near the castle on the site (few remains of which are visible today).
For sure, your children will marvel at these trades of yesteryear !
Entertainment is offered every day for all those who visit the site. So, you can try out the profession of strapping, learn basket weaving, watch the blacksmith or watch bread being baked in a traditional wood-fired oven.
Balls are also organized to rediscover the festive atmosphere of the village of yesteryear. To find the dates, consult our Agenda.
The village of La Madeleine is also a farm
Since 2020, special development has been carried out at the foot of the cliff. In order to reconnect with the surrounding nature and preserve the valley classified as a Grand Site de France, Madeleine decided to reconnect withpeasant and local agriculture by setting up an “educational” farm.
A tobacco dryer has been renovated. Inside, you can admire an exhibition on the peasant world. Nature activities are offered such as animal feeding or animal tracking. These workshops allow children to rediscover the work of farmers before the invention of modern machines. Discover the complete program on the Madeleine website.
Below flows the Vézère
The Vézère flows at its feet and it is perhaps during a canoe trip that we can best perceive the immensity of the site. Leaving the village of Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère to arrive at the village of Eyzies you will admire the spectacular height of this cliff. You will be able to admire the light which reflects on the ocher stone of the Madeleine.
