The Quest for Vallon Saint-Martin

The Vallon Saint-Martin ( Void d’Escles) accompanies the nascent course of the Madon for 4 km. It has preserved numerous traces of human occupation.

Quarries: these can be found throughout the valley. This quarry probably dates back to ancient times, as Gallo-Roman steles and necropolises have been unearthed around Escles.

Le Chatelet: this spur may have been a Celtic oppidum and was certainly a feudal castle (motte castrale).

Hermit dwellings: the cave of Saint Martin and other rocks provided shelter for hermits. A system of basins, near old fountains, has been uncovered.

Le Cuveau des Fées: near the Source du Madon, is a monumental fountain trough broken in place in its quarry. (photo above)

The Saint-Martin Cave: a man-made "gallery." When was it built? For what purpose? Despite extensive excavations, the mystery remains unsolved. It is 40 meters long and has four wells ranging from 1 to 6 meters deep, with water at the bottom. For safety reasons, the entrance to the gallery has been closed. An ancient place of worship dedicated to springs and the underground world? The Saint-Martin cave keeps its secrets...

Discover Vallon Saint-Martin and explore these places with their unique atmosphere...

Let yourself be carried away by the story of Jeannette and her treasure!