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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Troglodyte pigeon house of Font-d'Erbies is an exceptional building located in the commune of Crégols, in the Lot department, Occitanie region. Built between the 17th and 19th centuries, it is distinguished by its bold location above the resurgence of Font-d'Erbies, on a masonry arch integrated with the cliff. This monument, accessible only by a ladder, illustrates a remarkable adaptation to local geomorphology, combining agricultural utility (pigeon farming) and water resource management (water holding for a mill today in ruins).

Listed as a historical monument on January 16, 2012, this troglodyte dovecote is considered a rare testimony of the vernacular architecture of Quercy. Its originality lies in its total integration into the karst landscape of the Limogne causse, between Crégols and Lugagnac. The site thus combines a built heritage, a natural source and industrial remains (moulin), reflecting the ingenious exploitation of resources by rural communities of past centuries.

The precise dating of its construction remains uncertain, although the sources agree over a period extending from the 17th to the 19th century. The water retaining wall, a contemporary dovecote, highlights the versatility of local amenities, where each element met concrete needs: breeding, irrigation or mechanical. Today, the site offers a unique example of harmony between human action and a forced geological environment, while raising the question of its preservation and tourist exploitation.

Available sources (Wikipedia, Monumentum) highlight its exceptional character, but also the challenges associated with its isolated location and limited accessibility. The map accuracy of the site is considered "a priori satisfactory" (level 6/10), and its approximate address is referenced as "5090 Field of Fond Erbies" in Crégols. No information is provided on its opening to the public or related services (visits, accommodation).

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