Villecroze-les-Grottes

The troglodytic caves nestle in the heart of the sun-drenched tufa cliffs. Occupied since prehistoric times, they have belonged successively to Benedictine monks, to the local lord who fortified them, and then to the commune.

On 5 levels, you'll discover mullioned windows, loopholes, a passage behind the waterfall, two small basins, generous concretions and stalactites that have become columns. You'll enjoy a remarkable view over the park.

They once belonged to the Benedictines, who took refuge here during the Saracen invasions. Vigilant, they may have lived here, defended themselves and escaped from time to time, no doubt through the enormous opening of a monumental chimney that opened onto the top of the grotto.

It was around this time, in the 9th century, that the caves, of natural origin, were used to protect against invaders, and were transformed into underground fortresses with loopholes and bars to protect the exits.
From the 12th century onwards, Villecroze prospered, vigilance waned, and the caves seem to have been abandoned, deprived of any human presence and subject to the wear and tear of time.

Listed as a Natural Site and Monument since 1924, they combine history and geology.

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This washhouse dates from 1868.

Many housewives went there, but first and foremost were the professional washerwomen, or bugadières, who were given laundry to wash.
The word "bugado" comes from the Old French word "buer", meaning to wash, which in modern French means "laundry".

There used to be a bar above the wash-house to hang out the washing and drain it, and traces of the bar's insertion can still be seen.

This lovely late 11th-century Romanesque chapel, listed on the Inventaire Supplémentaire des Monuments Historiques, is the village's former parish church.

Built of tufa stone, it comprises a 3-bay nave, 1 side aisle and a semi-circular apse with a cul-de-four vault.

The entrance door is undoubtedly the chapel's most interesting feature. Next to it is a second door, possibly the chapel's original entrance. There's also an attractive bell-wall rising above the triumphal arch.

Today, the chapel hosts a number of classical music concerts.