MEETINGS
TROGLODYTIC HOUSES IN ANJOU
Discover the historical and architectural features of the department of Maine Et Loire
as part of unusual stays in troglodyte houses, is an enriching experience that will give
you the opportunity to discover places complemented by well-preserved ancestral traditions,integrating radiant landscapes enhanced by conviviality, culture and history.
A substantial territory due to its size and the diversity of its landscapes, the Maine-et-Loire department, located in the Pays de la Loire region, is a radiant land that enchants with the beauty of its natural spaces, making it an interesting
place to explore and also discover unique stays in so-called troglodytic houses steeped in local history and culture. These dwellings, also known as living spaces, are located either directly in the cliff face or on the hillside, carved from former quarries that were exploited until the early 20th century. The area takes into account the geology of tuffeau and falun, the two emblematic rocks of the region, which currently boasts over a thousand underground galleries. Since the 1970s, numerous local stakeholders and associations have been involved in this development act to preserve theses
places and cavities converted into mushroom farms,cellars for the winemaking alongside tasting areas, in homes and
alson in tourist sites which allow for discover the history of these underground galleries, which today also include
restaurants, museums and guesthouses arts and crafts workshops where products imbued with the historical and regional specificities of Anjou are made with know-how and talent, which can be found in particular between Saumur and Montsoreau with its dwellings and living spaces on the side of cliffs which enhance the many circuits and paths that one enjoys following along the Loire river.
“Quality is paramount because, beyond the pleasure of staying in unique, the beaten-path locations like troglodyte houses, we also place great importance on conviviality, hospitality, and promoting local customs and traditions. In addition, Anjou, a truly beautiful region, is also very interesting to visit whether for
cultural or sporting holidays, complemented by the discovery of local gastronomic specialties such as the Paris mushroom, cultivated in underground galleries and deliciously prepared, and of course, the tasting of fine local wines which are a pleasure to enjoy in cellars that beyond maintaining a natural and suitable temperature, allow guests to fully appreciate the architectural features of the troglodytic dwellings."
explains to me Christine, owner of two rural gîtes, troglodytic dwellings and a wine estate in Souzay Champigny including a superb view of the Loire.
Unique and Welcoming Places
Visiting Anjou and staying in unusual accommodations is a pure delight, as you discover unique places tinged with
multiple colors, sometimes preceded by morning mists that cover the foothills like a cloud of its landscapes, which are
reminiscent of Impressionist painting.
The diversity of these places, all equally enchanting each one, like the others
can be found in the types of stays offered, whether short, medium, or long-term. In addition to the suggested locations and their settings, with variations and prices to suit all budgets, it's a pleasure to browse, while also showcasing the diversity of our regions and incorporating the best features environmentally friendly ecotourism practices include its
rich cultural heritage and the variety of its flora and fauna, which can be discovered by exploring the Loire River and its
forests, such as the one by mountain bike from Fontevraud, you can admire birds on the riverbanks such as the Little Egret, the Little Tern, the Cormorant, or the Osprey, as well as other animal species recorded and reintroduced in the 1970s, including the famous European beavers."
Patrick and Laurence Fandelle, who came with their family to stay in a troglodyte house in Turquant, told me about it. The work was carried out in these environments shimmering and often
full of surprises at every turn, these are unusual stays in cave dwellings are unforgettable and whether along its forets
in its radiant towns full of character like Candes-Saint-Martin, or along the Loire River, crisscrossing Anjou allows you to discover places preserved in their original state .These destinations offer a blend of unique and welcoming places where
it's pleasant to stay, relaxing breaks designed for conviviality and respite between hikes that delight young and old alike complemented by natural spaces often enhanced by very warm encounters. These locations embody the very best of nature, and this type of stay, accessible to all and constantly growing in popularity, is also a wonderful and great mean
for discovering our radiant territories from a different perspective.
Report by: Gabriel PAGE
Photos credit: Gabriel PAGE / Getty Images
