Dominating the Creuse valley, a long cliff of limestone rock riddled with excavations dominates the small village of Saint Rémy-sur-Creuse, often called the caves of Saint Rémy but also troglodytic caves. You will be able to discover this rock wall, formed 90 million years ago, which saw the nomadic groups of the first humans pass through, provided refuge for free peasants from the Middle Ages of Richard Lion's Heart, shared the life of families of hemp weavers from the 17th to the 19th century.
The history of these troglosses…
It is indeed man who has shaped in the rock, through his activity since medieval times, these houses, cellars, workshops, shelters... The cliff and the troglodyte village are the result of several successive occupations at various periods in History. It is made of tuffeau, a limestone rock formed 90 million years ago. This rock is easily cut and sculpted. It is widely used – despite its reliability – in the region as a construction material.
It was at the end of the 12th century that it all began with Richard the Lionheart, heir to the crown of England, the counties of Poitou, Anjou, Maine, the Duchy of Normandy and the Duchy of Aquitaine. He then owned half of present-day France. It was a troubled and complex period mixing local conflicts and tensions around the domination of the kingdom of France with Philippe Auguste, heir to the rival family of the Capetians. At the time, the royal domain was reduced to the Ile de France and Philippe Auguste had allies – such as the counts of Blois – who owned bordering territories to the east of Poitou and Touraine, Richard must therefore lock his domain by establishing fortified places in strategic locations, Saint-Rémy was one of them.
Then, the site will be alternately occupied and abandoned. In the 17th century, families of hemp weavers established themselves there permanently. They cultivate hemp in the valley, live, spin and weave in the humid, temperate cellars that they have dug themselves. Following the decline of the hemp industry, the cellars are gradually emptying.
Tèrra Aventura…
Discover Saint-Remy-sur-Creuse through Tèrra Aventura and the troglodyte witch!
Tèrra Aventura offers you an original ride thanks to the geocaching, a treasure hunt of a few kilometers which allows you to discover the territory, local heritage and anecdotes, while playing.
Equipped with the 100% free “Tèrra Aventura” smartphone application, the family is ready for adventure. With clues to find, puzzles to solve and treasure to search, young and old choose to explore the forest, the sea coast, the islands, the towns, the villages... with the excitement of finding the Grail: the Poï'z. These are small characters with strong character who populate the universe of “Tèrra Aventura”, guide you and their badges are collectible.
This fantastic universe allows you to share special moments with your children while discovering often unusual places.
Hiking in Saint-Remy-sur-Creuse…
History lovers, you will be delighted! This magnificent hiking trail which dominates the Creuse valley will take you to the Ganne tower, the only vestige of the fortifications of the castle which was built by Richard the Lionheart at the end of the 12th century.
You can also discover the impressive cave cliff. These curious habitats dug into the stone bear witness to the passage of men since prehistoric times. Legend or true story, the troglodytes would have served as a home for lepers or as a refuge for residents during religious wars.
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