Caverne Sculptée de Dénezé-sous-Doué
Caves des Mousseaux
An underground cave whose walls are covered with hundreds of mysterious 16th-century relief carvings of figures; their carvers and meanings remain a mystery.
The sculpted cave of Dénezé-sous-Doué was only rediscovered in the mid-20th century. Its walls are carved with about 400 figures, animals, and scenes in exaggerated relief. Some believe they were the work of a secret society of 16th-century stonemasons, carrying satirical messages about religion and society, but their exact origin remains unresolved. The cave is visited with a guide. Admission is about €7, it is open April to October, and the visit takes about 45 minutes. It is near the Rochemenier troglodyte village and can be scheduled together with it.
Opening hours
About 10:00–18:30 (April–October)
Nearby sights
- Troglodyte Village of Rochemenier
- Les Perrières
- Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine
- Troglodytes et Sarcophages
- Notre-Dame de Cunault
- Collegiate Church of Le Puy-Notre-Dame
- Cadre Noir de Saumur
- Pierre et Lumière