The Magdalenian settled spontaneously into sites that provided a satisfying living space: near a river, in the shelter of a wall exposed to the sun that provided warmth and protection, and at a clearly identifiable location in the landscape (shape of the cliff, near the confluence of a river, etc.).
The ground at these sites, which supported the various activities carried out there, enclose valuable information as to habitation, material culture and the natural environment (food waste, pollens, charcoal, etc.) as well as climatic conditions (frozen ground, and so on).
The study of these soils allows for a spatial analysis of structures and vestiges. It also permits archaeologists to identify contemporary activities (flint knapping, tanning, creation of adornments, and so on) associated with them. Hearths are fundamental structures with multiple functions (lighting, heating, cooking), around which activities are organised and social relations are structured.
Loops found on walls and stone blocks on the ground could have been used to attach hides to protect the shelter and its occupants against the elements, or to delineate family groups or perhaps divide the interior space in various activity areas (food preparation, hide working, sleeping, etc.).
