Troglodytes in France

Troglodyte \Trog"lo*dyte\, n. [L. troglodytae, pl., Gr. ? one who creeps into holes; ? a hole, cavern (fr. ? to gnaw) + ? enter: cf. F. troglodyte.] 1. (Ethnol.) One of any savage race that dwells in caves, instead of constructing dwellings; a cave dweller. Most of the primitive races of man were troglodytes.

In France there are a lot of troglodytic dwellings, most of them carved back into the soft limestone cliffs. It may have started when they dug cellars for storing wine and produce, and noticed how comfortable it was on a hot day. Somebody said "Why not just move in here?" and a trend was born. The temperature remains constant, and the walls are sturdy, but ventilation and illumination are a problem. But, obviously they still make it work, complete with satellite dishes!