Village troglodytique de Rochemenier

About the museum

The Rochemenier troglodyte village, near Doué-la-Fontaine, once counted about forty underground farms, or roughly 250 cellars. Farmers first dug their courtyard like an open-air quarry into the falun, then fitted out the living quarters and outbuildings all around. A few of these homes were still lived in at the end of the 1980s.

The museum has been open since 1967. It presents two former farms with their dwellings and outbuildings, hundreds of farm tools and pieces of furniture, a poultry yard, an underground chapel and modernized troglodyte houses. Of the roughly 5,000 m² open to visitors, 3,500 m² are outdoors; the rest is spread across some twenty rooms, several of which feature sound and light atmospheres.

The visit shows the daily life of the plain's troglodytes from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the new features for 2026 is a kitchen garden recreated on the rooftops, illustrating peasant self-sufficiency around 1900.

Highlights

• Two cave farms carved entirely into falun
• Underground chapel
• Hundreds of farm tools and pieces of furniture, sound and light atmospheres
• 1900 kitchen garden recreated on the rooftops, with a 30-minute guided tour
• Investigation booklet and escape game for families

Permanent exhibition

• Les fermes troglodytiques de Rochemenier – Visit to two underground farms with dwellings, outbuildings, tools and furniture, and to an underground chapel.

Founded

1967

Admission & discounts

2026 rates according to the Saumur tourist office. Payment by bank card, check, Chèques-Vacances, cash, bank transfer, contactless payment or Pass Culture.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Accessible by wheelchair with assistance and by stroller. Restroom with grab bar and sufficient turning space, reception staff trained in disability awareness, seating areas available.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly

Investigation booklet for ages 9 to 14, Escape Game booklet from age 14, and an Escape Game kit for exploring the site through play. The site is accessible by stroller.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Shop, bar and toilets on site; Wi-Fi as reported by the Saumur tourist office.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit