Fascinating caves that were inhabited until 1910 - Our tour of the main wine-producing areas of the Loire Valley continued with Stage 6: Chinon to Saumur (Day 8 in France). We were now based in Saumur on our second day here and currently visiting Louresse-Rochemenier. We had been inspired, by a book provided at our B&B, to visit the remains of troglodyte settlements, whilst staying in Saumur. There are several such sites, near Saumur and generally along the Loire Valley. The geological conditions (being soft sedimentary rock) made for easy for excavation; even allowing for the rudimentary hand-tools available as far back as the 4th Century BC. The endeavours of early civilisations over many centuries have resulted in very substantial excavations. The site of this attraction is in the middle of a one-way system, so follow the signs, even though it seems to be a long way around and regardless of what satnavs may say (including ours). You could end up going around (and around) in circles. Be certain to use the large free carpark, as there is no pubic parking anywhere nearer. The carpark has facilities: a WC and a self-service bicycle repair station. There is a restaurant between the carpark and the attraction, and a little bar next to the entrance to the attraction. The site seems safe but there are warnings about erosion of the soft rock: so, do not touch. We were fascinated by what we saw during our visit and felt it was excellent value at about £7.50 per person. Allow plenty of time when visiting here, we spent just over an hour here, but it wasn’t busy. If it had been busy then progress through the site would have been hampered in places; especially in some of the smaller caves and narrower entrances. The site is extensive and has about 20 numbered exhibits; one was closed (no. 7). This included a couple of exhibits of ‘modern’ troglodyte homes of the 1960’s! There were excellent French and English signs at each exhibit and displays of photos taken when the site was a domestic and working community. Definitely worth the visit, the societies that lived here up to 1910 were industrious people, mostly farming and viniculture, and also refining/processing of the crops. Animals were stabled here to use in the work, and to provide meat and eggs. The living conditions were harsh compared with today’s homes We did enjoy our visit; much was learned

pretty village - Very nice cave village. friendly tour marked, interesting for young and old. Some agricultural machinery on display, tools, utensils, explanations on the daily lives of farmers.

When in doubt, just go. - Very friendly reception, we got ourselves a Dutch floor plan with explanations. Really worth it and certainly not expensive. I didn't know what to expect, but I was impressed. Very nice.

All right. - Very nice site, free visit and at our own pace with all the explanations on the daily life of the elders. Big surprise on the chapel! Well done.

Place to discover - Very welcome with explanations regarding direction of visit. We have to follow the numbers. Free visit at our own pace. A very nice discovery. In each room there are explanations. There is a room with shadow vigil and a dwelling with soundproofing plus light.

Excellent discovery moment - A superb visit I recommend very nice to make a nice room with awesome noise of the illustrations too well done I really liked

A break to learn more about local history - We chose to make this visit to offer young children who accompanied us a bubble of tranquility between more intensive visits. Rochemenier is an ideal stopover for the family, a haven of peace to delve into local history and a springboard to deepen the deep knowledge of this beautiful region. The reception at the museum was very nice, the visit informative, interesting!

Atypical place - Very beautiful trogodytic village where our close ancestors lived. To see for the originality of the places very well maintained. Guide if you want. To do with faluns and hourglass.

Interesting - Interesting visit to understand life in troglodyte peasant villages, material present. For me, it lacks interaction. We are in a Museum without Guide, just explanatory panels but a little story to imagine people, their life would be a plus

Nice but inappropriate price - Beautiful visit through both farms, pleasant in hot weather, an Interactive Guide can be downloaded on smartphone for more explanations. Some agricultural machinery on display, tools, utensils and photos of daily life 120 years ago. At the Point of Sale, however, I believe that the fares are excessive in relation to the services: the adult ticket is far from cheap, not to mention it applies from the age of 14, it very much catches tourists. For a more reasonable rate you can visit more famous castles or museums.