Underground refuges (France)

During the Middle Ages and even later people dug the rock in order to escape from pillagers. Underground refuges are proximity underground fortresses dug by rural communities during periods of unrest. Their function was to hide and protect people’s life and livelihoods (livestock and grains). Vital facilities were intended to ensure the survival of the population who has taken refuge inside the cavity, and defence systems were intended to provide, if necessary, defence against assailants. Because of the difficulties to take the cavity, the underground refuge was an efficient protection against attacks from pillaging soldiers and brigands just passing without fighting a specific enemy.

Underground refuges in the West of France

Village underground refuges in Northern France