20,000 leagues under the earth at TrogloDegusto
Step inside an underground gallery where the temperature never exceeds 13°C, no matter the season: embark on a unique tour at TrogloDegusto. Set off to discover keen enthusiasts who will be delighted to share their knowledge with you.
From tuffeau extraction to wine ageing
First of all, discover the history of tuffeau extraction. This ancient quarry extended over 500 km under the village and was exploited for nearly 1,400 years. You’ll come to understand the system used to extract these blocks, weighing almost a tonne, via the various tools exhibited. This stone is a limestone formed in marine sediments over 90 million years old. A good few years ago, that’s for sure! Tuffeau was used from the 11th century to build houses and, in some cases, the Châteaux of the Loire Valley.
Humidity reaches 80% in these caves, and you’ll feel it as soon as you set foot inside. This one has created an ecosystem that’s perfect for growing mushrooms. It was therefore in the late 19th century that the age of the mushroom growers began, as the galleries were used to grow the famous button mushrooms for almost a century.
Then, in 2009, these galleries were purchased by winemakers in order to use them for wine ageing, using the Champagne method.
An underground art gallery
After walking the length and breadth of the galleries, you’ll have the pleasure of discovering a gallery of contemporary cave art.
Cave art began among the Bourré caves with the stone quarries. The oldest graffiti visible in these underground galleries dates back to the 15th century. In particular, you’ll be able to make out the FFI’s Cross of Lorraine, as well as the FTP Hammer – both Resistance groups – from the Second World War. These galleries welcomed many refugees and resistance fighters over the years.
The art gallery, inaugurated in 2017, aims to bear witness to TrogloDegusto’s time in these quarries! Some twenty frescoes can be seen today.
A tasting in an unusual setting
To finish off your tour, enjoy a tasting of regional wines and products (goat’s cheese, rillettes and more) in a lively setting.
Be careful not to end up like Popole, who fell into the cooking pot, just like Obelix, with his tendency to consume excess!
The mystical atmosphere that surrounds you here lends itself perfectly to the events regularly organised in this venue. Like the treasure hunts or THE party of the year: Underground chills for Halloween.
So, what are you waiting for to discover this very unusual location?
TrogloDegusto – Domaine des Tabourelles
59 route des vallées
41400 Bourré – Montrichard Val de Cher
Le Crinkly d’Alexandre Calder
Dans le jardin bordé par l’Amasse, ne manquez pas d’admirer le Crinkly d’Alexandre Calder. Le mobile de l’un des plus célèbres sculpteurs américains y trône en effet majestueusement. Il pointe au gré des vents son bec vers le château royal.
