Barry, Cliff dwelling in Bollène, France.
Barry is a medieval settlement carved into cliffs near Bollène, with dozens of rooms and passages cut directly into limestone. The structures span multiple levels and show how earlier inhabitants transformed natural caves into functional dwellings.
The settlement was founded during the medieval period and served long as a refuge and home for local people. By the 18th century it was gradually abandoned and the spaces fell into disrepair.
The name Barry comes from the Occitan word 'barra', meaning rock, which fits this place carved into stone. The arrangement of rooms shows how people reshaped natural caves into living areas, kitchens, and storage spaces.
Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and navigate the uneven rocks carefully, as steps and passages can be steep and narrow. Guided tours are offered during warmer months and help visitors understand the site's layout.
The dwellers used natural cracks and fissures in the rock face to collect water, a clever system that allowed them to survive for extended periods without external sources. This feature shows how closely earlier people studied and made use of their surroundings.
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