Exploring - La Roque St. Christophe

There is evidence of human occupation in the caves and crevices here since prehistoric times. At the end of the first millenium, the 'guys in charge of things at the time' decided to build 5 defensive forts to block the navigable river access for all invaders. One of those forts was constructed at La Roque Saint-Christophe on the Vezere River. It was a strategic location and the cliffs provided both shelter and protection.

The natural crevices in the limestone cliff face were gradually enlarged and deepened in the Middle Ages and an entire village was built, comprising homes, workshops, staircases between levels, and a chapel. All perched high above the river and the valley floor.

A scale model has been constructed, from archival information and studies of archaeological evidence, to show a small portion of the terraced village. The entire site was destroyed in the 16th century.

Absolutely fascinating place.Read more