Career development Fin Ve–VIIIe siècle (≈ 895)
Extraction of 35,000 Merovingian sarcophagus.
Xe–XIIe siècle
Refuge reuse
Refuge reuse Xe–XIIe siècle (≈ 1250)
Underground-refuge during Viking invasions.
1987
Archaeological inventory
Archaeological inventory 1987 (≈ 1987)
First pre-search investigations.
1989–1996
Archaeological excavations
Archaeological excavations 1989–1996 (≈ 1993)
Update of the operating chain.
29 juin 1998
Registration historical monument
Registration historical monument 29 juin 1998 (≈ 1998)
Legal protection of the troglodytic site.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The site of the Lordship (cf. AL 121, 126, 299, 127 to 129, 409, 131 to 133, 410, 134 to 136, 298): registration by order of 29 June 1998
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
The source text does not mention any named historical actor.
Origin and history
The Cave aux Sarcophages, also known as the Cour de Douces, is an ancient troglodytic residence dug in the Falun in Doué-la-Fontaine (Maine-et-Loire). This site, registered as historical monuments since 1998, houses a quarry of sarcophagi exploited between the late 5th and the 8th century, then reused as underground-refuge between the 10th and 12th centuries. Archaeological excavations (1989-1996) revealed approximately 35,000 sarcophagi extracted, as well as traces of activities related to their manufacture, such as lighting and ventilation systems.
The place also includes a farm, a cellar and a troglodytic chapel, testifying to its multifaceted occupation. During the Viking invasions, he served as a refuge, illustrating his defensive role. Archaeologists have reconstructed the complete production chain of the Merovingian sarcophagus, from the extraction of shell limestone to the size of the tanks and lids. This site remains unique in France for the study of funeral and artisanal practices of the High Middle Ages.
Located at 1 rue de la Croix-Mordret (place called the Seigneurie), the site is now open to the public under the name Troglodytes and Sarcophages. Its inscription as a historical monument in 1998 protects a set of galleries extending over nearly one hectare, offering exceptional lighting on medieval techniques of extraction and underground development.
