Paris – 24.06.2026: At the heart of the current heat wave in France, the troglodyte houses carved into the rock of the village of Trôo, north of Tours, offer natural cooling. These unique dwellings, cut directly into the soft tuff, maintain a constant interior temperature of about 20 degrees Celsius, even when the outside temperature exceeds 35 degrees.
Dominique Opéron, a resident of Trôo, reports that her 145-square-meter troglodyte apartment always stays cool in summer. She emphasizes that this natural coolness has nothing to do with air conditioning and is a welcome change from the summer heat.
Jean-Luc Eclercy-Deterpigny, president of the local tourism association, describes life in the troglodyte houses as an “incredible happiness” in these times of climate change. He highlights that residents can rely on the natural cooling provided by the rock during increasingly frequent heat waves.
Trôo, a picturesque village in the Loir-et-Cher department, is home to several kilometers of underground galleries as well as a small number of permanently inhabited troglodyte houses. The thick walls of these dwellings ensure a stable interior temperature and reduce energy consumption, making them an ecological alternative in the face of rising temperatures.
These traditional forms of housing not only offer natural protection against extreme heat but also provide a glimpse into the history and culture of the region. Visitors can tour the troglodyte houses and learn more about the lifestyle of former inhabitants.
In view of the increasing frequency of heat waves in France, these natural cooling methods are gaining importance. The troglodyte houses of Trôo are a fascinating example of how traditional construction techniques can contribute to climate change adaptation.
Scientific research confirms that tuff, due to its porous structure and high thermal capacity, maintains a stable indoor temperature. While the outside air heats up strongly during the day, the temperatures in the caves remain comparatively constant. This not only reduces the need for artificial cooling but also helps decrease CO2 emissions.
At a time when air temperatures increasingly exceed 40 degrees during prolonged heat waves, these natural dwellings offer a sustainable and energy-efficient housing solution. The combination of history, environmental awareness, and comfort makes the troglodyte houses an attractive example of the alliance between tradition and modern climate adaptation.
Guided tours and informational offers are available to interested parties, allowing visitors to discover both the architectural features and the ecological importance of the troglodyte houses. More information is available on the official website of the Trôo tourism association.
Sources
- Euronews
- Boursorama
- Anjou Tourisme