Troglodyte Houses
According to the archaeologist Robert Forrer and the painter and writer Charles Spindler, the houses in Les Rochers date back to the Middle Ages. At that time, the houses were used as granaries by the Benedictine abbey, which was established in the heart of the village.
Later, during the 17th century and after the departure of the nuns, when wars hit the region, the houses were transformed into makeshift dwellings by the inhabitants who sought protection. Then, during the 18th century, they became real dwellings. The site was inhabited until the middle of the 20th century by three families, the last inhabitant having lived there until her death in 1958.
22 Rue Principale
67320
Graufthal
03 88 70 19 59
maisonsdesrochersgraufthal@orange.fr
www.maisonsdesrochers-graufthal.fr
Visit of the Troglodyte Houses in Graufthal
Graufthal owes its fame to the curious troglodyte dwellings at the foot of the sandstone cliffs. These houses are one of a kind in Alsace! The rock serves as floor, wall and ceiling, so that only a front wall and part of the roof are needed for a dwelling. The living conditions in these rock houses, which were inhabited until 1958, astonish many visitors.
Surrounded by dense forests and dominated by high cliffs, the hamlet of Graufthal has an original face, made even more unique by the presence of these three semi-troglodytic houses. Today, the houses of the Rochers have been restored and fitted out with period furniture in order to receive the public.
A visit to these picturesque dwellings, which are rare in Alsace, allows visitors to discover the daily life of the last families who lived there. The visitor can thus imagine the life of the occupants of these houses at the beginning of the 20th century. The houses of Les Rochers have been classified as historical monuments since 1988.
Opening hours
Les Maisons des rochers welcomes you every day from 15 March to 11 November, from 10am to 6pm. Ticket office open from 10am to 12.45pm and from 1.15pm to 5.45pm.
Sundays and public holidays: open from 10am to 6.30pm. Ticket office open from 10am to 12.45pm and from 1.15pm to 6.15pm. Closes one hour earlier from the last Sunday in October.
Public price
Adult : €4.00Kid : Free
Price with the pass
Adult : FreeKid : Free
Access conditions
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Motorway A4: exit "Phalsbourg
Nationale 4 : Direction "La Petite-Pierre" between Col de Saverne and Danne-et-Quatre-Vents -
Saverne SNCF station at 17 Km
Sarrebourg SNCF station at 26 Km