Paris – June 24, 2026: Amid the current heatwave in France, the troglodyte houses carved into the rocks in the village of Trôo in the north of the Tour region offer natural cooling. These unique dwellings, carved directly into the soft tuffeau stone, maintain an interior temperature of about 20 degrees Celsius even when the outside temperature exceeds 35 degrees.
Dominique Opéron, a resident of Trôo, says that her 145-square-meter troglodyte apartment is always cool in the summer. She emphasizes that this natural freshness is independent of air conditioning and is a welcome change from the summer heat.
Jean-Luc Eclercy-Deterpigny, president of the local tourism association, describes living in troglodyte houses in the era of climate change as “incredible luck.” He stresses that residents can rely on the natural cooling effect of the rock during increasingly frequent heatwaves.
The picturesque village of Trôo, located in the Loir-et-Cher department, contains underground tunnels stretching for kilometers and a few permanent troglodyte houses. The thick rock walls of these homes maintain stable interior temperatures and reduce energy consumption, making them an eco-friendly alternative during periods of rising temperatures.
This traditional form of housing not only provides a natural shield against extreme heat but also offers insight into the region’s history and culture. Visitors can tour the troglodyte houses to learn about the lifestyles of former inhabitants.
As heatwaves become more frequent in France, the importance of such natural cooling methods is growing. The troglodyte houses of Trôo provide a fascinating example of how traditional architectural styles can contribute to adapting to climate change.
Scientific studies show that tuffeau stone, due to its porous structure and high thermal storage capacity, maintains stable interior temperatures. Even when outdoor air heats up significantly during the day, the cave interiors remain relatively constant in temperature. This not only minimizes artificial cooling demands but also helps reduce CO2 emissions.
During prolonged heatwaves when air temperatures often exceed 40 degrees, these natural dwellings offer a sustainable and energy-efficient housing solution. Troglodyte houses, combining historical traces, environmental awareness, and comfort, represent an appealing example of the fusion of tradition and modern climate adaptation.
Tours and information sessions introducing the architectural features and ecological importance of troglodyte houses are available for interested visitors. More details can be found on the official website of the Trôo tourism association.
Sources
- Euronews
- Boursorama
- Anjou Tourisme