It is an understatement to say that Brittany is a high place of megalithism.
And even more the Morbihan.
The proof in figures: 550 sites have been identified just on the shores of the bay of Quiberon and the Gulf of Morbihan.
A unique set in Europe which even motivated a request for inclusion in UNESCO World Heritage (verdict expected in 2025).
Everywhere in Morbihan, you can observe traces left by our Neolithic ancestors.
Near the coast, inland, on islands and even well hidden in the forest.
This prehistoric heritage is distinguished by its density but also by a real variety of architectures.
Standing stones or standing stones, isolated or in groups;
dolmens, burials with or without corridors;
tumuli, monuments housing burial chambers covered with stones (then called cairns) or earth (mounds) ... for the little lesson in megalithism!
Facing the largest raised stone site in the world or admiring slabs decorated with enigmatic engravings, you always feel a little small ...
Read alsoThe ten most beautiful and unmissable natural sites in Brittany
The Cairn of Gavrinis, a Neolithic masterpiece in the Gulf of Morbihan (Morbihan)
As a bonus, the view over the Gulf of Morbihan is sublime!
Adobe Stock / d_e_r_i_c
It is referred to as the Neolithic Sistine Chapel.
And for good reason… On its island in the Gulf of Morbihan, the Cairn of Gavrinis, a funerary monument covered with dry stone, houses a dolmen and above all fine engravings in a profusion unique in the world.
Snakes, ax blades, bows… on 50 m² of flagstones.
We observe them in the grazing light of his smartphone, all along a 14 m corridor that leads to a square room.
As a bonus, the view over the Gulf of Morbihan is sublime!
How to get there?
By boat, from Larmor-Baden, from March to September.
Ticket: € 18, free - 10 years old.
Reservations essential and parking difficult in summer.
Allow 2 hours of visit, with the crossing.
cairndegavrinis.com
Our advice:
Opt for the “Circuit of the megaliths” visit to approach Er Lannic Island and its double megalithic enclosure of 173 standing stones, some of which are submerged.
Back in the port, take a tour of Berder, a jewel of an island accessible on foot at low tide.
The menhirs of Carnac, mythical and enigmatic alignments (Morbihan)
Carnac is the most legendary of Breton megalithic sites!
E. Le Cornec - Bay of Quiberon Tourism
The most legendary of Breton megalithic sites! Carnac is 3000 menhirs 6000 years old spread over three fields: Le Ménec, Kermario and Kerlescan. Alone, the Ménec line has 11 rows of stelae over nearly 1 km. Those of Kermario display the most impressive dimensions. Do not miss the giant of Kermario, a beautiful baby granite 6.5m high, in the undergrowth. Place of worship, astronomical site… These alignments remain an enigma. One thing is certain, their organization is not a coincidence.
How to get there?
From April to October, only with a guide from the Center des Monuments Nationaux (Adult: € 11, 7-17 years: € 6; sale online or at the Maison des Mégalithes, Lieudit Le Ménec, 02 97 52 29 81);
free visit from October to March.
A pedestrian path, in free access, goes around the alignments.
menhirs-carnac.fr
Our tip:
Visit the Museum of Prehistory in Carnac.
First in the world for megalithism, it allows to revise the chronology and presents beautiful objects resulting from excavations (axes, ornaments…) museedecarnac.com
Read alsoGolfe du Morbihan: getaway to the islands of the Breton “little sea”
The Grand Broken Menhir of Locmariaquer, a granite colossus (Morbihan)
This enormous block of granite weighing nearly 300 tons stood at 18.50 m when it stood… 7,000 years ago.
Megaliths landscapes
Colossal!
The Grand Menhir de Locmariaquer is the largest known in Europe.
This enormous block of granite weighing nearly 300 tons stood at 18.50 m when it stood… 7,000 years ago.
To wonder how the men of the Neolithic era straightened it?
Today broken into four pieces, the Grand Menhir is part of a whole megalithic complex.
Next to it, discover the Table des Marchands dolmen (with two beautiful engraved slabs) and the Er Grah tumulus which may have been the tomb of personalities of the time.
How to get there
?
From Tuesday to Sunday, all year round.
Entrance: € 5, free - 18 years old.
Ticket sales online or on site, route de Kerlogonan to Locmariaquer.
site-megalitique-locmariaquer.com
Our advice:
After the visit, head to the tip of Kerpenhir.
It marks the entrance to the Gulf of Morbihan and offers an impressive view of the strength of the currents that rush through it.
The Straight Stones of Monteneuf, an enchanting site on the edge of Brocéliande (Morbihan)
South of Brocéliande, this megalithic site was unearthed in 1989. Adobe Stock / Stphane
There is something captivating to stroll in the middle of the Straight Pierres de Monténeuf.
Especially if the mist invites itself into the decor… South of Brocéliande, this megalithic site was unearthed in 1989. Or yesterday!
Some 500 menhirs, carved in purple schist, are distributed there under heather and gorse, typical of the Breton moors.
42 were straightened and aligned in seven rows.
On the site, we can also see a menhir being extracted, abandoned on site by the builders of the Neolithic.
A rare discovery that gives clues to their techniques.
How to get there?
The site is located in the forest, on the D776, between Guer and Monteneuf (signposting from these towns).
Self-guided and free visit, follow the interpretation trail.
leslandes.bzh/les-menhirs-de-monteneuf
Our advice:
Download the sound walk "Sur le bout de la mande", and go to the heart of the Monténeuf nature reserve (7th remarkable area in Brittany).
Specialists in fauna and flora, former inhabitants, beekeeper ... deliver its history and richness to you.
Read alsoTen must-see ports to visit in Brittany
The covered alley of the Loge-aux loups, a hidden gem in the Landes de Lanvaux (Morbihan)
The covered alley of the Loge-aux-Loups is one of the beautiful surprises of the Lanvaux moors, in the hinterland of Vannes.
A. Lamoureux - Gulf of Morbihan Vannes Tourisme
The covered alley of the Loge-aux-Loups is one of the beautiful surprises of the Lanvaux moors, in the hinterland of Vannes.
We discover it by following a path bordered by gorse which plunges into the forest.
An oak tree has also grown in the middle, reinforcing the mystical side of this covered path.
A 4500-year-old funeral monument.
His particuliarity ?
The covering slabs (only one of which remains) rest on a double row of stones buttressed against each other.
A unique case in Morbihan!
How to get there?
From Vannes, direction Elven via the N166 then take the D1 between Elven and Trédion.
The site is located at Coëtby, indicated by a sign.
From the car park, follow the marked path.
Free access.
Our advice:
To immerse yourself in the forest and the moors of Lanvaux, without getting lost, follow the Circuit de la Villeneuve, starting from the village of Trédion.
By the way, nice view of the castle.
The more athletic can browse it in trail mode!
