Troglodytism: Saumur’s Rural Centre of Excellence

Public and private organisations worked together, creating five activities that led to the Saumur area's CRE, as well as two innovations and research programmes by way of support. 

1. Creation of a hotel at a troglodyte site in the Genevraie caves at Rochemenier.
2. Development of the original quarries of the Bioparc Zoo at Doué-la-Fontaine.
3. Creation of a perspective reconstruction in the Cathedral Caves of Perrières at Doué la Fontaine.
4. Renovation of the Rose Bleue site at Doué-la-Fontaine and the setting up of two bed and breakfasts.
5. Creation of a modern and educational means of promoting the troglodytic sites in the Saumur area. A communications tool was designed having two outputs: a “documentary” short film (26 minutes) and a one to three minute promotional video clip.
6. PRI and Néopat: innovation and research programmes about the cave dwelling heritage of the Saumur area are providing support to the Rural Centre of Excellence.

On the internet:

• Troglodytism: Rural Centre of Excellence (in French)