So last week, I went to the French troglodytes and Saumur, France. The French troglodytes were houses under the earth, in caves. We got to see how this community thrived and lived, also how they managed to live in caves for such a long time. The last person to live in these specific troglodytes was in the 1960s, although there are also other troglodytes that people live in today. The homes were built into caves or cliffs, for commoners to live in, and they used the nature around them as best as they could. The main production they’re known for was the production of wine. Since they were below the earth, they had gardens above them, which is where they would grow vines. And when the grapes from the vines were ripe enough and had fallen off, they would fall and roll down into the cave or holes that led into the caves, where the people had structured different machines to press and prepare the wine. The caves were great for storing wine, as the temperature inside would keep the wine cool in the summer, and away from the bitter cold in the winter. We got to tour the different buildings in the troglodyte homes, such as where they kept the cattle, where families would sleep and cook, and where members would gather for fun.
-Vanhessa
And here’s a picture of me, on the side of the castle. You can see how the castle peers over the town and the river
This was a room in one of the homes, where families would gather -French Troglodytes
This was inside the caves -French Troglodytes
This was the place where we toured the production and storage of wine in Saumur, France
This is the castle of Saumur
This was the appetizer we had, consisting of mushrooms, a piece of bread with cheese and bits of ham, the little baby hamburger was a big mushroom stuffed with beef, and salad on the side -Saumur
This was in the cave looking up. This would be where the gardens were. -French Troglodytes
This is the entrance of the cave, where they would store the wine -French Troglodytes
These are openings, after entering the caves. It was vital for the people who lived here to still get sunlight and not live in total darkness! -French Troglodytes
