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Completion of preventive archaeological excavations was the last regulatory requirement before handover of the site for the future Village Landais Alzheimer to the property developer, the Departmental Council of Landes. It was carried out by teams from Archeodunum under the supervision of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine DRAC over three months, starting in November 2017. On 2.5 hectares of excavation, archaeologists discovered remains dating back to the 8th century BC: a necropolis with urns containing ashes and bones, and old ovens that, in light of prior knowledge of the area around the site, may have been used in salt production. Archaeologists will study these theories in the laboratory over the next 24 months, in the hope of providing specific answers to their discoveries in various fields such as the archaeology of buildings, furniture and ceramics, but also palynology (the study of pollen grains), archaeozoology and geomorphology.

Construction of the Village begins

The project will be spread over more than 5 hectares in Dax, organised like a bastide with a central square offering meeting places and services (library, hairdresser’s, convenience store, restaurant, doctor’s surgery, etc.), creating a friendly village feel. Residents will live in four neighbourhoods, each with four homes. Village Landes Alzheimer is a socially and therapeutically innovative project that will create an environment in which residents can thrive by maintaining a social life and through a non-pharmacological approach. 120 staff, without the traditional white coats, will be supported by a team of volunteers who, along with the residents, will be able to use the facilities to enjoy sports or cultural activities.

This work, which requires investment of  28.8 million euros, will be completed in late 2019. The Village will then welcome 120 residents suffering from Alzheimer’s and similar diseases.