Journées Européennes du Patrimoine - Caves Troglodytes

European Heritage Days in Cornillé-les-Caves: visit the cave cellars and explore the village

What if the most beautiful heritage were hidden right beneath your feet?

In Cornillé-les-Caves, you need only descend a few steps to enter a world shaped by stone and by people. Guided by volunteers from the Association des Compagnons des Caves, set off to explore the village’s underground passages, where tuffeau quarrying shaped both the landscape and the daily lives of the inhabitants in the 19th and 20th centuries. Their stories bring to life this heritage, which has been passionately preserved for nearly forty years.

The tour continues at the pace of simple pleasures: the youngest visitors are captivated by a story, whilst the smell of freshly baked ‘fouées’ straight from the bread oven whets the appetite. Then comes the time to stroll through the narrow streets of Cornillé-les-Caves, step inside the church and enjoy the sites that are exceptionally open to the public for the European Heritage Days. An experience that reveals the very soul of this troglodyte village in Anjou, where heritage, craftsmanship and the commitment of the locals come together naturally.

Practical information: Guided tours of the troglodyte cellars, Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. Price: €4. Self-guided stroll through the village, storytelling for children (aged 3 to 12) and fouées tasting on site.

Find the full programme for the European Heritage Days in Anjou Loir & Sarthe in a PDF file available to download for free below: