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La Roque St. Christophe: A Cliffside Journey Through Time

Explore a troglodyte city in France's Vézère Valley: La Roque St. Christophe reveals 55,000 years of history etched into a stunning cliffside.

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La Roque St. Christophe is a remarkable cliff dwelling in Peyzac-le-Moustier, France, showcasing human occupation from 55,000 years ago through the Middle Ages. This impressive limestone cliff, stretching a kilometer long and 80 meters high, features natural caves and terraces that have been modified over centuries to create a unique troglodyte fort and city.

A brief summary to La Roque St. Christophe

  • Monday 10 am-6:30 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-6:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6:30 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6:30 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6:30 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6:30 pm

Local tips

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

  • Car

    If arriving by car, 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 reach La Roque St. Christophe, located at 2433 Rte de la Préhistoire. On-site parking is available. Expect potentially heavy traffic during peak season.

  • Public Transport

    To reach La Roque St. Christophe via public transport, take a bus from Sarlat-la-Canéda 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 approximately a 20-minute walk to La Roque St. Christophe. Follow the main road, keeping an eye out for signs directing you to the attraction. Bus fares typically cost a few euros.

  • Taxi

    For a more direct route, consider taking a taxi from Sarlat-la-Canéda to La Roque St. Christophe. The journey takes about 20 minutes and costs approximately €30-€40. Booking in advance is advisable, especially during the busy tourist season.

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Discover more about La Roque St. Christophe

La Roque St. Christophe, a towering limestone cliff in the Vézère Valley, offers a captivating journey through time, revealing layers of human history spanning over 55,000 years. This natural wonder, located in Peyzac-le-Moustier, France, served as a shelter for prehistoric nomads, a strategic fortress in the Middle Ages, and a troglodytic city until the early Renaissance. The cliff's unique geological features, including natural rock shelters and aerial terraces, have been shaped by the Vézère River and frost over millennia. These natural cavities were first occupied by Neanderthals and Cro-Magnon people, who sought refuge from the elements. Over time, the caves were expanded and transformed into a complex network of dwellings, workshops, and defensive structures. In 976, Frotaire, the Bishop of Périgueux, recognized the strategic importance of La Roque St. Christophe and ordered the construction of fortifications to protect key access routes. The site became a vital stronghold during the Hundred Years' War, serving as a French bastion. It remained an important refuge until it was dismantled during the Wars of Religion in 1588, after serving as a Protestant haven. Visitors to La Roque St. Christophe can explore the sprawling remains of this medieval cliffside city, gaining insight into how people lived, worked, and defended themselves. The cliffs were carved into terraces, with homes, workshops, storage rooms, and even chapels stretching along the rock face. One of the site's highlights is the conservatory of medieval civil engineering machinery, where visitors can see impressive reconstructions of medieval lifting equipment. La Roque St. Christophe is committed to ecological preservation and has been awarded LPO Refuge status for its efforts to protect local bird species and maintain the area's natural biodiversity. The site also holds the NF Environnement label, recognizing its commitment to sustainable tourism.

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