Villecroze, Medieval commune in Var, France
Villecroze is a commune in the Var department of Provence, with an old village center made up of narrow lanes, stone fountains, and painted facades around a central square. The village sits at the foot of a cliff face that contains natural caves, which are physically connected to the settlement.
The origins of the settlement go back to troglodytic caves used by Benedictine monks in the Middle Ages, which formed the core of the first inhabited place here. Over the following centuries, a village grew around this rocky base and kept much of its medieval layout.
The troglodytic caves at the edge of the village are now part of a public park and open to visitors. In summer, the Chapel of Saint Victor is used as a concert hall, particularly during the activities of the International Music Academy.
The village center is best explored on foot, as the lanes are too narrow for vehicles. Thursday mornings bring a weekly market to the main square, so arriving early is a good way to see the place at its liveliest.
The troglodytic caves in Villecroze were transformed in the 16th century by a local lord into proper rooms with windows and staircases cut directly into the rock. Traces of these changes are still visible in the cliff face when walking through the park.
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