tuffeau

Tuffeau is a soft white to pale cream limestone formed from carbonate sediments deposited in shallow seas during the Late Cretaceous. It is prominently associated with the Loire Valley in central France, where extensive quarries supply blocks for historic buildings and sculpture, especially in the Touraine and Anjou regions around Tours, Saumur, and Bourgueil.

The rock is highly porous and relatively light for a limestone, which makes it easy to quarry, cut, and carve. Its openness to water can lead to weathering in damp climates, and the stone can harbor salts and biological growth if not properly protected.

Tuffeau has been used for many Loire Valley landmarks, including châteaux, churches, and interior walls. In addition, it is well known for troglodyte dwellings and cave spaces carved directly into tuffeau cliffs along the Loire, a distinctive regional feature.

Because of its softness and porosity, tuffeau is susceptible to acid rain and freeze-thaw cycles; restoration and maintenance often involve lime-based mortars and breathable coatings that respect the stone’s properties. In modern times, it remains an iconic architectural material in the region, while its use outside the Loire Valley is less common due to durability considerations.