Balmes de Montbrun, Underground archaeological site in Saint-Gineys-en-Coiron, France.
The Balmes de Montbrun is an archaeological site with about thirty caves carved into volcanic walls across multiple levels within the rock formations. These underground dwellings spread throughout the hillside, showing how people once made their homes in this natural structure.
The site was inhabited during the medieval period, with a castle lord documented in 1210. Settlement continued until the 18th century, when the location was eventually abandoned.
The rock-carved Saint Catherine's Chapel from the 16th century shows how people used stone to express their faith in this remote place. Its simple interior with earthen floor and religious statue reflects the modest daily life of those who lived here.
The site is reached via a walking path from the Bas-Montbrun hamlet, where free parking is available for visitors. The trail leads upward through the different levels of caves that can be explored.
The inhabitants engineered a sophisticated system within the volcanic tuff using wooden beams, stairs, gutters, and stone-carved benches. This thoughtful craftsmanship shows how practical and resourceful people were in creating this underground living space.
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