Nestled in the heart of the Val-d’Oise, in the Seine Valley to be precise, the village of Haute-Isle hides a secret… Part of the village is carved out of the limestone rock. This ancient form of dwelling has been in use since prehistoric times, providing inhabitants with dry, durable shelter. These houses also have the advantage of being naturally insulated from the cold and heat. Immersed in the French Vexin regional nature park, the village of Haute-Isle, located 1 h 30 from Paris, will propel you back in time…
Haute-Isle: a troglodyte village on the outskirts of Paris
This small village of 291 inhabitants is a curiosity in the greater Paris region. Indeed, from prehistoric times right up to the XIXᵉ century, the entire village was carved into the limestone rock on the hillside: the houses, the shops… right up to its church. Incidentally, the latter is one of only five churches in France to have been completely designed in rock.
The exception in the Ile-de-France is the troglodytic church of the Annunciation at Haute-Isle. Listed as a historic monument since 1926 , it took 3 years to complete. A feat at the time, given the titanic work required to excavate the chalk rock.
Although the village has now expanded, the troglodyte dwellings, known as “boves”, can still be seen stretching amphitheatrically above the Seine. Unfortunately, since the XXᵉ century, most have been abandoned… Only a handful of houses are still in use today.
The 2.3 km Heritage Trail takes you on an invigorating tour of the remains of this troglodyte village. You’ll admire part of the “boves”, the washhouse, the artists’ house, the troglodytic church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption and many other local curiosities preserved from the passage of time. A magical weekend getaway!