Menhirs to discover in Finistère
During your holiday in Brittany, why not retrace the steps of our ancestors to discover the famous megaliths, these stones erected in the Neolithic period.
Between myths and legends, a journey through historical heritage awaits you!
Here are some menhirs not to be missed on your route!
If there is one menhir not to be missed, it is that of Kerloas! Located between Plouarzel and Saint Renan, it is currently the tallest standing megalith in Europe.
Made of porphyroid granite, the 4,000-year-old giant measures nearly 9.50 metres and weighs nearly 150 tonnes.
Listed as a historical monument since 1883, it is called "the hunchback" for its two humps on either side.
It is said that in the past, the site was the subject of a fertility rite. The newlyweds would come secretly naked to rub their bellies against the bumps.
Later, the megalith is also said to have healing powers. Finally, another legend says that a treasure is hidden there and that it would only be visible on Christmas Eve.
You will find 6 megaliths on the tip of Kermorvan. Two of them are located in the Lande at the place called "Maison Blanche", and two other smaller ones along the coastal path.
The last two, survivors of an elliptical cromlech, are erected near the small tarmac road.
On these lands, do not be surprised to see prehistoric remains and menhirs coexist with the remains of military fortifications.
Also listed as historical monuments, these menhirs in the Iroise region date back 3,000 years!
One of them is the second tallest menhir in Brittany after the one in Kerloa, while the second is located just nearby.
Armorican legend has it that the standing menhir was stolen from an old witch in Ireland. Furious, she threw another menhir at the first one, missing its target. The latter remained lying down.
According to historians, the inclined menhir was rather the work of Christians who came to evangelize the country. They thus wanted to remove the signs of Celtic beliefs.
Do not venture into the plot which is cultivated. You will find a path that borders the field through which you can photograph these two giants.
Continue your visit in the footsteps of our ancestors, on the heights of Camaret sur mer in the Crozon peninsula.
Less than a hundred menhirs are erected there along a straight line of 200 m. Their geometric meaning could be linked to the constellations or the course of the sun.
You can easily park on site.
After being lulled by all these legends, put down your suitcases in one of the spacious rooms of the Barracuda hotel with a view of the harbor of Brest.
You can then relax on the rooftop facing the ocean. The opportunity to taste one of the homemade pastries or sip a delicious cocktail.
Between myths and legends, a journey through historical heritage awaits you!
Here are some menhirs not to be missed on your route!
The Kerloas menhir
If there is one menhir not to be missed, it is that of Kerloas! Located between Plouarzel and Saint Renan, it is currently the tallest standing megalith in Europe.
Made of porphyroid granite, the 4,000-year-old giant measures nearly 9.50 metres and weighs nearly 150 tonnes.
Listed as a historical monument since 1883, it is called "the hunchback" for its two humps on either side.
It is said that in the past, the site was the subject of a fertility rite. The newlyweds would come secretly naked to rub their bellies against the bumps.
Later, the megalith is also said to have healing powers. Finally, another legend says that a treasure is hidden there and that it would only be visible on Christmas Eve.
The menhirs of Kermorvan
You will find 6 megaliths on the tip of Kermorvan. Two of them are located in the Lande at the place called "Maison Blanche", and two other smaller ones along the coastal path.
The last two, survivors of an elliptical cromlech, are erected near the small tarmac road.
On these lands, do not be surprised to see prehistoric remains and menhirs coexist with the remains of military fortifications.
The Kergadiou menhirs in Plourin
Also listed as historical monuments, these menhirs in the Iroise region date back 3,000 years!One of them is the second tallest menhir in Brittany after the one in Kerloa, while the second is located just nearby.
Armorican legend has it that the standing menhir was stolen from an old witch in Ireland. Furious, she threw another menhir at the first one, missing its target. The latter remained lying down.
According to historians, the inclined menhir was rather the work of Christians who came to evangelize the country. They thus wanted to remove the signs of Celtic beliefs.
Do not venture into the plot which is cultivated. You will find a path that borders the field through which you can photograph these two giants.
The Lagatjar alignment
Continue your visit in the footsteps of our ancestors, on the heights of Camaret sur mer in the Crozon peninsula.Less than a hundred menhirs are erected there along a straight line of 200 m. Their geometric meaning could be linked to the constellations or the course of the sun.
You can easily park on site.
After being lulled by all these legends, put down your suitcases in one of the spacious rooms of the Barracuda hotel with a view of the harbor of Brest.
You can then relax on the rooftop facing the ocean. The opportunity to taste one of the homemade pastries or sip a delicious cocktail.
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