La Magnanerie Troglodyte Site
Explore ancient troglodyte homes and a historic silkworm farm, brought to life by passionate residents.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for the walk
La Magnanerie Troglodyte Site
Best Time
Pleasant weather for the walk
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient troglodyte homes and a historic silkworm farm, brought to life by passionate residents.
"What a wonderful attraction. The hosts are friendly, helpful and informative."
🗣️ Audio Guides Available
Don't let language be a barrier! Audio guides help you understand the tour even if you don't speak French.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk up to the site and exploring the caves requires good footwear.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Silkworm Farm
Inside the troglodyte caves
Discover the fascinating history of silkworm farming in this unique underground environment.
Troglodyte Dwellings
The entire site
Explore ancient cave homes, learning about the lives of those who inhabited them.
Passionate Hosts
Throughout the tour
Experience the warmth and knowledge of the residents who share their home and history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Be Prepared for a Walk
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗣️ Audio Guides Available
Don't let language be a barrier! Audio guides help you understand the tour even if you don't speak French.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk up to the site and exploring the caves requires good footwear.
🏠 Feel Like Family
The hosts open their home to visitors, creating a warm and personal experience.
🤝 Combine with Mushroom Farm
Consider visiting the nearby mushroom farm for a double dose of local underground wonders.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗣️ Audio Guides Available
Don't let language be a barrier! Audio guides help you understand the tour even if you don't speak French.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk up to the site and exploring the caves requires good footwear.
🏠 Feel Like Family
The hosts open their home to visitors, creating a warm and personal experience.
🤝 Combine with Mushroom Farm
Consider visiting the nearby mushroom farm for a double dose of local underground wonders.
📸 Capture the Charm
The site is full of charming details and historical artifacts, perfect for photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise La Magnanerie for its unique blend of history, natural wonder, and personal touch. The passionate hosts are a highlight, making the tour feel like an intimate glimpse into their home and heritage. While the live talks are in French, audio guides and the hosts' willingness to engage in English make it accessible to a wider audience. The uphill walk is noted but considered well worth the effort for the fascinating experience.
"What a lovely visit! Our guide was wonderful- we are, we knew the tour was in french but still wanted to visit (we only know basic french) - we got to try out the new headsets for the tour which worked very well. I can’t believe you let us in your home! (We didn’t want to leave)
We were part of a small group who arrived for the tour (12-15 of us) it was a friendly and relaxed tour with interesting insights to the caves, their use and the troglodytes that lived there. Thank you!"
vikki osborne
"What a wonderful attraction. The hosts (they are the residents) are friendly, helpful and informative; the live talks are in French, but there are electronic audio guides to help follow along, and the hosts will help fill in any gaps and take questions in English. Such a great chance to learn about the history of troglodytes in the area and silk production in Touraine. Well worth a visit."
Simon Handy
"Walk up from the parking of the Mairie and follow the path in front of these grotte dwellings. Interesting and insolite"
Shelley Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The site is located in Bourré. Parking is available near the Mairie (town hall), and from there, you'll follow a path uphill to reach the troglodyte dwellings.
Yes, parking is available near the Mairie in Bourré. From there, it's a short walk to the site.
The walk is uphill and might be strenuous for some, but it's generally considered worth the effort for the unique experience.
Public transport options to Bourré might be limited. It's best to check local bus schedules or consider driving.
Follow the path from the parking area at the Mairie. The walk leads you directly to the entrance of the troglodyte dwellings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book your tour in advance, especially during peak season, as tours are led by the residents and can fill up.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information.
Ticket prices are generally reasonable. Check the official website for current admission fees.
Information on discounts for specific groups (e.g., children, seniors) is usually available on their website.
Tours are typically guided by the residents to provide historical context and personal insights into their home and the silkworm farming history.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the unique troglodyte dwelling that also houses a historical silkworm farm, offering a glimpse into a bygone era.
The live talks are in French, but electronic audio guides are available to help non-French speakers follow along. Hosts are also happy to answer questions in English.
You'll see the ancient troglodyte caves, learn about the history of silk production, and discover charming collections and details from the past.
Yes, children can find the history of silkworms and the unique cave dwellings fascinating.
The guided tour usually lasts about an hour, allowing ample time to explore and ask questions.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions once you are there.
The unique architecture of the troglodyte caves and the displays of silkworm cocoons offer great photographic opportunities.
The caves can be dimly lit, so a camera with good low-light performance or a smartphone with a good night mode will be helpful.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The troglodyte dwellings themselves are like stepping into a real-life storybook, sparking imagination and curiosity about how people lived in the past. While the main tour is in French, the availability of audio guides ensures that kids (and adults) can follow along and learn. The hosts are known for being welcoming and accommodating, making it a comfortable visit for families. Remember to wear comfortable shoes for the walk up and exploring the caves. Consider combining this visit with the nearby mushroom farm for an extended underground adventure.
❤️ Couples and History Buffs
It's a chance to discover a lesser-known aspect of local history together. History enthusiasts will appreciate the detailed insights into troglodyte life and the historical significance of silkworm farming in the Touraine region. The well-preserved dwellings and the hosts' passion for their heritage provide a rich historical context. The availability of audio guides ensures that even those with limited French can fully appreciate the historical narratives.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Silkworm Farming
Visitors can learn about the entire lifecycle, from egg to moth, and understand the labor-intensive nature of silk production before modern industrial methods. The unique underground environment of the troglodyte caves provided a stable temperature and humidity, ideal for nurturing the silkworms, making this location particularly suited for this delicate agricultural pursuit.
+1The passion of the current residents, who have dedicated themselves to preserving this heritage, is evident throughout the tour. They share not only the technical aspects of silkworm farming but also the cultural significance and economic impact it once had on the region.
Life in the Troglodyte Dwellings
+1Exploring these caves offers a tangible connection to the past. You'll see how people lived, worked, and adapted to their environment. The site is filled with charming details and collections that evoke a sense of nostalgia and offer insights into daily life centuries ago.
The residents, who actually live in these dwellings, generously open their homes, allowing visitors to experience this unique way of life firsthand. This immersive experience goes beyond a typical museum visit. It's an opportunity to step into a different time and appreciate the resourcefulness of past generations. The friendly and relaxed atmosphere of the tour, combined with the hosts' personal stories, makes for a truly memorable visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit