Ancient dwellings called bodies were domed dry masonry buildings made from limestone with walls up to 4 ft. thick.  They date from 2000 BCE and were regularly rebuilt using the ancient methods until the 19th century when they were abandoned.  Around 3000 of these structures many standing singly in fields (to store things or for short term shelter) or grouped like this in villages can be found around Provence.  This village was restored in the mid 20th century.  They are all built facing away from the north to avoid the mistral a strong wind that blows (and has been blowing every day since we’ve been here).  We haven’t minded since it helps mitigate the heat but we are told can blow up to 100 miles an hour.