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Troglodyte Caves of Villecroze: A Journey Through Time and Stone

Discover ancient cave dwellings, a cascading waterfall, and lush gardens in the heart of Provence at Villecroze's Troglodyte Caves.

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Explore the fascinating Troglodyte Caves of Villecroze, carved into a tufa cliff in Provence. These caves, used as shelters since prehistoric times, offer a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue, complete with a cascading waterfall and lush gardens.

A brief summary to Troglodyte caves of Villecroze

  • Monday 10 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes as the cave floors can be uneven and slippery.
  • Visit during the shoulder season (April-May or September) to avoid the summer crowds and enjoy pleasant weather.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the caves and the surrounding park at a relaxed pace.
  • Check the official website for seasonal opening hours before your visit.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through the charming medieval village of Villecroze.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Villecroze, walk towards Boulevard Charles Bernard, following signs for the Grottes de Villecroze. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes and offers scenic views of the village. There are no specific costs involved in walking.

  • Public Transport

    Take a train to Les Arcs-Draguignan station, the nearest major station. From there, catch a local bus (Line 6 or other lines) towards Villecroze. Alight at the 'Villecroze' stop (e.g., Les Alumines or Parking Des Grottes) and walk approximately 9-15 minutes to Boulevard Charles Bernard to reach the Troglodyte Caves. Bus tickets cost around €2-€3.

  • Driving

    If driving, head towards Villecroze. From the A8 motorway, take exit 36 for Le Luc / Flassans and follow the D557 towards Villecroze. Once in Villecroze, continue to Boulevard Charles Bernard, where the Troglodyte Caves are located. Parking is available near the Tourist Office. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Troglodyte caves of Villecroze

The Troglodyte Caves of Villecroze, nestled in the heart of Provence, offer a captivating journey through time and nature. Carved into a stunning tufa cliff formed over hundreds of thousands of years, these caves have served various purposes throughout history, from ancient dwellings to fortified refuges. Originally natural formations, the caves were expanded and modified over centuries. In the 9th century, they were transformed into underground fortresses to protect against invaders, featuring loopholes and protective bars. Benedictine monks from the Abbey of Saint-Victor in Marseille once owned the caves and surrounding lands, using them as a sanctuary during Saracen raids in the 10th century. In the 16th century, Nicolas d'Albertas, a local lord, fortified the caves further to provide shelter during the Wars of Religion. However, they never faced a siege. Today, the Troglodyte Caves of Villecroze are a classified historical monument and natural site, blending geological wonder with historical significance. Visitors can explore the caves' five levels, discovering mullioned windows, arrow slits, and a passage behind the 35-meter waterfall. The surrounding municipal park, covering 2.5 hectares, features Mediterranean flora and terraced gardens, offering a serene environment for relaxation and exploration. The caves are formed from travertine, a type of limestone deposited by mineral-rich karst water. This continuous flow created the tufa rock formations, with stalactites and concretions adding to the caves' unique beauty. The site provides scenic viewpoints with vistas of the surrounding countryside.

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