La Madeleine, a troglodyte village in the Dordogne
Nestled in the cliff
cave village
In the heart of the Périgord Noir, the troglodytic village of La Madeleine in Tursac overlooks the Vézère Valley. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this prehistoric and medieval site offers a journey through 17,000 years of history. From our campground in the Dordogne—just 21 minutes away—take the whole family on a guided tour through cliffs, caves, and breathtaking views.
In a nutshell
Practical Information for Your Outing
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Route de la Madeleine, Le Petit Marzac, 24620 TURSAC |
| 2025 Schedule | The site is open from March 1 to November 3, with hours that vary by season. Be sure to check the Madeleine cave village’s hours online before your visit. July–August: 9:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m. June & September: 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. October: 10:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. March, April, May & November: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. |
| 2025 Rates | Adults: €9.60 Students / Under 18: €7.70 Children (ages 5–12): €5.00 Online purchases available |
| Duration of the visit | About 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes for a family visit |
| Services | Free parking, picnic area, gift shop, restrooms, and swimming access near the Vézère River |
| Animals | Dogs are welcome at the La Madeleine cave dwellings site |
A little history
A 17,000-Year Journey Through the Vézère Cliffs
The history of the troglodytic village of La Madeleine, nestled in the cliffs of the Vézère River, is truly exceptional. This prehistoric site in the Dordogne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, gave its name to an iconic prehistoric culture: the Magdalenian (between 17,000 and 12,000 years ago). A true benchmark for archaeologists worldwide, it illustrates the rich heritage of the Périgord Noir and the Vézère Valley.
It all began in 1863, when Édouard Lartet and Henry Christy explored the Tursac cliff. Their major discovery—the famous mammoth engraving on ivory—revolutionized our understanding of our origins.
The Madeleine cave site thus became a must-see destination for prehistory in France, a symbol of the unique bond between humans and their environment in prehistoric Dordogne.
Things to See There
What should you see during your visit to the cave village of La Madeleine?
A visit to the troglodyte village of La Madeleine, in the Vézère Valley in the Dordogne, is like reading the layers of time carved right into the rock. Here’s what your family can look forward to during your visit while camping in the Périgord Noir:
The Prehistoric Site and Its Museum
For conservation reasons, the excavation site is not open to the public. However, an exhibition near the Vézère River showcases the treasures discovered here.
There you will see flint tools, reindeer-antler spears, and portable artworks such as the famous sculpture of the bison licking its flank. It was also here that the burial site of the “Child of La Madeleine,” adorned with more than 900 seashells, was unearthed. This discovery is emblematic of the prehistory of the Vézère Valley, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A Village Perched High
The medieval village perched on the cliffside
The highlight of the guided tour is this medieval cliff-side village, carved into the limestone cliff. As early as the 9th century, the inhabitants adapted the natural cavities to protect themselves from invasions.
You’ll wander among the ruins of dwellings, discover the communal oven and the cave-like alleyways, and imagine the daily lives of the inhabitants of La Madeleine, in the Périgord, perched high above the Vézère River.
The Gothic Chapel
One of the gems of the troglodyte village of La Madeleine. This private chapel, partly carved into the rock, is exceptionally well-preserved.
Its architecture, a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, bears witness to centuries of occupation and the spiritual significance of the site.
Around
The Ruins of Petit Marzac Castle
High above, the ruins of Marzac Castle overlook the Vézère Valley. This former defensive outpost serves as a reminder of the strategic importance of the Madeleine cave dwellings, located between Eyzies-de-Tayac and Tursac.
The view of the valley is breathtaking—perfect for a souvenir photo or a picnic break in the shade of the trees.
The Farm and Its Activities
The site is coming back to life thanks to its educational farm and local artisans. Children will love seeing the animals and taking part in the activities on offer. Depending on the day, you can watch demonstrations of traditional crafts or take part in a medieval cooking class.
It’s a fun and enjoyable way to discover the troglodytic heritage of La Madeleine and to take a family journey through the living history of the Périgord Noir.
In practice
How to Plan Your Trip to the Village of La Madeleine in the Dordogne?
To make the most of your day in the troglodyte village of La Madeleine in the Dordogne, take a guided tour. The passionate guides bring the medieval inhabitants and prehistoric hunters to life, ensuring a unique experience in the heart of the Périgord Noir.
If you’re visiting with your family, arrive in the morning to watch the animals being cared for at the educational farm or take part in a children’s workshop —such as prehistoric painting or flint engraving.
At noon, enjoythe picnic area for a relaxing break with a view of the Vézère Valley. The village of La Madeleine is very close to major Périgord attractions such as the Lascaux Caves, La Roque Saint-Christophe, and Les Eyzies-de-Tayac.
Finally, take a canoe trip down the Vézère between Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère and Les Eyzies: the Madeleine Cliff in the Vézère Valley reveals itself in all its grandeur. It’s the perfect spot for a photo to share on Instagram.
Around
A living heritage to explore from your campground
A visit to the troglodyte village of La Madeleine is much more than just an outing. It offers a firsthand experience of millennia of history, adaptation, and human ingenuity in the Périgord Noir.
After a day full of excitement and new discoveries in the heart of the Vézère Valley, you’ll enjoy returning to the peace and comfort of our campground with a pool in the Périgord Noir. Our natural setting and heated pool are the perfect place to relax and share memories of your journey back in time to the troglodyte village of La Madeleine in Tursac, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
