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La Roque St. Christophe: A Cliffside Journey Through Time

Explore a troglodyte city in France's Dordogne Valley, where prehistoric caves meet medieval ingenuity on a breathtaking limestone cliff.

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La Roque St. Christophe is a remarkable cliff dwelling in the Dordogne Valley, France, showcasing 55,000 years of human history. From prehistoric shelters to a medieval fortress city, explore this unique troglodyte site carved into a kilometer-long limestone cliff.

A brief summary to La Roque St. Christophe

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain can be uneven and involves a fair amount of walking.
  • Check the schedule for guided tours, which provide valuable insights and stories about the site.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning views from the cliffs and the fascinating details of the prehistoric dwellings.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Maison Forte de Reignac, another example of troglodyte architecture.
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Getting There

  • Car

    If driving, navigate towards Peyzac-le-Moustier. From the village center, follow signs for 'Rte de la Préhistoire'. Continue on this road for approximately 2 km until you arrive at La Roque St. Christophe, located at 2433 Rte de la Préhistoire. On-site parking is available. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    From Sarlat-la-Canéda, take a bus to Peyzac-le-Moustier. Buses run several times daily, with a journey time of around 30 minutes. From the Peyzac-le-Moustier bus stop, it's a 20-minute walk to La Roque St. Christophe. Follow the main road, watching for signs. Bus fares vary, check local schedules for accurate pricing.

  • Taxi

    Consider a taxi from Sarlat-la-Canéda for a direct route. The ride takes approximately 20-25 minutes and costs around €55-€70. Booking in advance is recommended.

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Discover more about La Roque St. Christophe

La Roque St. Christophe, a towering limestone cliff in the Dordogne region of France, presents a captivating journey through time, revealing evidence of human habitation spanning an astonishing 55,000 years. This natural wonder, located in Peyzac-le-Moustier, halfway between Les Eyzies and Montignac-Lascaux, served first as a prehistoric shelter and later evolved into a remarkable medieval fortress city. The Vézère River and the erosive forces of frost sculpted the kilometer-long, 80-meter-high cliff, creating a series of natural cavities and aerial terraces. These natural shelters provided refuge for early humans, including Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons. Archaeological discoveries at the site include tools and engraved bones, offering insights into prehistoric life. In 976, Frotaire, the Bishop of Périgueux, recognized the cliff's strategic importance and ordered the construction of fortifications, transforming it into a vital stronghold in the Vézère Valley. La Roque St. Christophe played a crucial role during the Hundred Years' War as a French bastion. The cliff face was carved into terraces, accommodating homes, workshops, storage rooms, and even chapels. A conservatory showcases reconstructed medieval civil engineering machinery, demonstrating the ingenuity of the builders. The site was dismantled in 1588 during the Wars of Religion, after serving as a Protestant refuge. Today, La Roque St. Christophe welcomes visitors to explore its sprawling cliffside remains. The site offers panoramic views of the Vézère Valley and provides a tangible connection to the lives of those who sought shelter and built a community within its rocky embrace. Visitors can explore the site independently with a guide booklet or join a guided tour. The site is also committed to ecological preservation, holding LPO Refuge status for protecting local bird species and maintaining biodiversity.

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