Site Name
(A/D) |
Site Type |
Country
(A/D) |
County/ Region |
Visited?
(A/D) |
Date
(A/D) |
Cond |
Amb |
Acc |
Comments |
Trip Number
(A/D) |
Trip Order |
| Landigou Menhir |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Normandie:Orne (61) |
Couldn't find |
29th Aug 2005 |
|
|
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Looking for this menhir marked on my map, I could find nothing |
205 |
1 |
| Menhir de la Croix Carrée (Landigou) |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Normandie:Orne (61) |
Visited |
29th Aug 2005 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
Looking for a menhir marked on my map, I could find nothing, so asked a lady walking her dog, and she directed me to this roadside cross. It has a historic monument signpost, which states that it is a megalithic monument of unknown origin. About 1.2 metres tall, it is of square section, with large crosses carved into each face, joining each other around the corners. Perhaps it was once a menhir, perhaps once an iron age stele. Its hard to tell. B...Looking for a menhir marked on my map, I could find nothing, so asked a lady walking her dog, and she directed me to this roadside cross. It has a historic monument signpost, which states that it is a megalithic monument of unknown origin. About 1.2 metres tall, it is of square section, with large crosses carved into each face, joining each other around the corners. Perhaps it was once a menhir, perhaps once an iron age stele. Its hard to tell. But it is not the menhir I was looking for !
Read More |
205 |
2 |
| La Pierre au Diable |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Pays de la Loire:Mayenne (53) |
Couldn't find |
29th Aug 2005 |
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|
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I couldn't easily find this one, nor anywhere to park to have a proper look. It is not very near to the road, and so I left. |
205 |
3 |
| Menhir dit Pierre Saint-Julien |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Pays de la Loire:Sarthe (72) |
Visited |
29th Aug 2005 |
5 |
3 |
4 |
Pierre Saint Julien is a 3.5 metre tall menhir, stood outside the main entrance to St Julien Cathedral, Le Mans. It is a truly lovely stone, made from a very heavily stratified, and vividly coloured rock. From certain angles, and in the right light, it looks for all the world to be a man dressed in hooded cloak stood outside the entrance of this sacred place. I do not know where the stone originally came from. |
205 |
4 |
| la Pierre Couverte (Parigné) |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Pays de la Loire:Sarthe (72) |
Visited |
29th Aug 2005 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
This dolmen can be fairly easily found at a junction of tracks in the Bois de Bruon, near to Parigné-le-Pôlin, a few kilometres south of Le Mans, and just off the N23 road. The largish capstone, 4 m by 3.5 m, sits on top of 4 collapsed support stones, with another one nearby. its a pleasant little walk along a forest track from where I parked the van. |
205 |
5 |
| Pierres de Mère et Fille |
Standing Stones |
France |
Pays de la Loire:Sarthe (72) |
Visited |
29th Aug 2005 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
The mother and daughter stones can be easily found in the forest to the northeast of La Fleche, and are signposted from nearby. Both are nicely shaped pointed slabs, and they are about 8 metres from each other in an east west direction. The mother stone is more than 4 metres tall, and is the western of the pair, The daughter is just over 2 metres tall, and at the east. It is stated on a nearby signpost that the stones are thought to represent the...The mother and daughter stones can be easily found in the forest to the northeast of La Fleche, and are signposted from nearby. Both are nicely shaped pointed slabs, and they are about 8 metres from each other in an east west direction. The mother stone is more than 4 metres tall, and is the western of the pair, The daughter is just over 2 metres tall, and at the east. It is stated on a nearby signpost that the stones are thought to represent the sun and moon, although the evidence for this is not stated.
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205 |
6 |
| Pierre Potelée |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Pays de la Loire:Sarthe (72) |
Visited |
29th Aug 2005 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
This stone is about half a kilometre east of the Mere et Fille stones in the forest and is also signposted. I parked in a parking area near to the signpost and walked for several kilometres before returning to my van having found nothing except for more signposts at the other end of the forest track pointing back from where I had come. As I got back to the van, I could see the stone, less than 100 metres from where I had parked, down a different ...This stone is about half a kilometre east of the Mere et Fille stones in the forest and is also signposted. I parked in a parking area near to the signpost and walked for several kilometres before returning to my van having found nothing except for more signposts at the other end of the forest track pointing back from where I had come. As I got back to the van, I could see the stone, less than 100 metres from where I had parked, down a different track ! The stone is a slab on its end, between 2.5 and 3 metres tall, and 2 metres wide, with many holes on one side.
Read More |
205 |
7 |
| Pierre Percée (Draché) |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Centre:Indre-et-Loire (37) |
Visited |
30th Aug 2005 |
5 |
3 |
4 |
A few kilometres to the south of the village of Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine along the N.10, and this stone is signposted, less than a kilometre to the west along a minor road. The stone has its own little parking area and explanatory signpost, and is set in a nice open grassy area.
The stone is about 3.5 metres tall, slightly leaning and pointing skywards. About two thirds of the way up is an intriguing hole through the stone, oval in shape, abo...A few kilometres to the south of the village of Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine along the N.10, and this stone is signposted, less than a kilometre to the west along a minor road. The stone has its own little parking area and explanatory signpost, and is set in a nice open grassy area.
The stone is about 3.5 metres tall, slightly leaning and pointing skywards. About two thirds of the way up is an intriguing hole through the stone, oval in shape, about 25 cm by 20 cm, which is perhaps natural.
This menhir has many legends associated with it, and it is said that if children or babies are passed through the hole, they will be cured and immune to various diseases. There is also a legend that the stone was used for sacrifices, and that all of the parts of the sacrificial body must be passed through the hole. It is thought that it may originally have been some form of marker stone for a nearby ancient cemetery, now no longer to be seen.
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205 |
8 |
| La Pierre Fondue |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Centre:Indre-et-Loire (37) |
Visited |
30th Aug 2005 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
This dolmen can be found about 100 metres up a track behind the hamlet of Bommiers, which is a couple of kilometres to the south of the village of Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine down the N.10. It is about one kilometre to the north of the Pierre Percée. Once you reach the hamlet, it is signposted, and sits in a field which had been harvested when I was here, so was able to visit the dolmen properly.
The dolmen has a single capstone sitting 2 metres...This dolmen can be found about 100 metres up a track behind the hamlet of Bommiers, which is a couple of kilometres to the south of the village of Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine down the N.10. It is about one kilometre to the north of the Pierre Percée. Once you reach the hamlet, it is signposted, and sits in a field which had been harvested when I was here, so was able to visit the dolmen properly.
The dolmen has a single capstone sitting 2 metres high on top of two large side supports and a backstone, and seems to have been moved to the back where it overhangs a lot. The rectangular chamber is about 4 metres by 2.5 metres in size, and faces almost due south. There are a few other stones at the southern end, suggesting either a continuation of the chamber, or perhaps an Angevine portal entrance, but these are fallen and it is not easy to tell what.
Read More |
205 |
9 |
| Pierre Chaude |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Centre:Indre-et-Loire (37) |
Visited |
30th Aug 2005 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
About a kilometre to the east of the village of Neuilly, on the road to Paulmy, can be found this nice dolmen, about 50 metres to the south of the road in a hazlenut grove, and signposted.
The dolmen has a large single capstone which is now broken, sat on top of 6 support stones making a rectangular chamber about 3 metres by 3 metres internal dimensions, and almost 2 metres high at the top. The entrance to the dolmen is through a cut side sto...About a kilometre to the east of the village of Neuilly, on the road to Paulmy, can be found this nice dolmen, about 50 metres to the south of the road in a hazlenut grove, and signposted.
The dolmen has a large single capstone which is now broken, sat on top of 6 support stones making a rectangular chamber about 3 metres by 3 metres internal dimensions, and almost 2 metres high at the top. The entrance to the dolmen is through a cut side stone at the eastern side, which has the opening made at the top.
The dolmen was excavated in the 19th century, and several skeletons were found, along with animal bones, polished stones, flint items and pottery. Nearby is the permanent spring of Fonteny, about 200 metres to the south.
Read More |
205 |
10 |
| Grand-Pressigny Musée de la Préhistoire |
Museum |
France |
Centre:Indre-et-Loire (37) |
Visited |
30th Aug 2005 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
Museum of prehistory contained within the remains of the ruined Chateau de Grand Pressigny, this is a wonderful place to visit. In a little village on the edge of a plateau, the castle is on a steep sided headland with a huge ditch cut to protect it from the fourth side. This place has been lived in and defended since the year dot. For €4 entry fee, you not only get to visit the castle, but also a fossils exhibition, the prehistory museum, and an...Museum of prehistory contained within the remains of the ruined Chateau de Grand Pressigny, this is a wonderful place to visit. In a little village on the edge of a plateau, the castle is on a steep sided headland with a huge ditch cut to protect it from the fourth side. This place has been lived in and defended since the year dot. For €4 entry fee, you not only get to visit the castle, but also a fossils exhibition, the prehistory museum, and any other temporary exhibitions that may be held here. The castle is excellent, with curtain walls and towers, dungeons, an excellent gatehouse, a superb keep, a large tower and some magnificent cellars and underground passages crossing from one side to the other, all of which can be visited. In the gardens are, amongst many other things, a polissoir stone (called the Coeur de Birette?) and a bit of an iron age stele.
The chateau is right in the middle of one of the greatest prehistoric regions in the world, where people have lived since before people existed. Cave shelters etc have been identified which go back millions of years. And then there is the silex (flint) for which this region is world renowned. This is a yellowish kind of flint which occurs in huge nodules (livres de beurre), which can be split into many fine and long blades, and which have been worked here for an eternity. Blades up to 30 cm long have been found in the region, and they were traded to places all over western Europe. This is one of the most important places in the western world until the advent of the bronze age. In the prehistory museum, there are some wonderful items, ranging from the ancient paleolithic up to the iron age and then the coming of the Romans. Superb.
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205 |
11 |
| Coeur de Birette |
Polissoir |
France |
Centre:Indre-et-Loire (37) |
Visited |
30th Aug 2005 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
In the gardens of the Chateau de Grand Pressigny are, amongst many other things, a polissoir stone called (I believe) the Coeur de Birette ???. |
205 |
12 |
| Verrières Dolmen |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Poitou-Charentes:Vienne (86) |
Visited |
30th Aug 2005 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Just outside the village of Verrières, to the south by the road to Lussac-les-Chateaux, are the remains of this dolmen, which can be found round the back of some houses at the top of the valley. Its not much more than a large slab of rock sitting on the ground these days, which is the capstone which measures 4 metres by 3 metres, with a few bits of crumbled rock underneath. There are no signs of any obvious support stones.
When I got back to ...Just outside the village of Verrières, to the south by the road to Lussac-les-Chateaux, are the remains of this dolmen, which can be found round the back of some houses at the top of the valley. Its not much more than a large slab of rock sitting on the ground these days, which is the capstone which measures 4 metres by 3 metres, with a few bits of crumbled rock underneath. There are no signs of any obvious support stones.
When I got back to my van after visiting this, the antitheft electronics would not turn off, and so nothing would start. I checked to see if anything obvious was loose, but could find nothing. I checked the other keys and that didn't help. I asked a passing man in a pickup truck if he could help, and he got a bloke from a garage out to help me. He had a look, but couldn't really do anything till tomorrow, when he could get the van to the garage with the necessary electronics gear. We pushed the van down into a little side lane where I could stay overnight, and he promised that he or someone else from the garage who could speak some English would be back in the morning about 8:30. This is just what I always dreaded would happen.
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205 |
13 |
| Verrières tumulus |
Chambered Cairn |
France |
Poitou-Charentes:Vienne (86) |
Saw from a distance |
30th Aug 2005 |
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|
|
On the village map, about half a kilometre to the southeast of the dolmen, and to the northeast of the road to Lussac-les-Chateaux. I had a walk towards this after getting the van partly sorted, but couldn’t find anything definite. There was however, a mound in a field which has growth on it, which was in the right sort of place. Pity I couldn't get to it and have a proper look, and by now its started to get dark. |
205 |
14 |
| Dolmen de Loubressac |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Poitou-Charentes:Vienne (86) |
Visited |
31st Aug 2005 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
Beside the river Goberté to the west of Lussac-les-Chateaux, at the hamlet of Loubressac, the little road curves around the remains of this dolmen. It is now sitting right beside the road at the edge of a pond. The capstone, which once would have measured 5 metres by 4 metres, has now broken and collapsed into the chamber. About 8 or 10 support stones remain, many of which have fallen. The entrance is to the east. Most of the stones are of the lo...Beside the river Goberté to the west of Lussac-les-Chateaux, at the hamlet of Loubressac, the little road curves around the remains of this dolmen. It is now sitting right beside the road at the edge of a pond. The capstone, which once would have measured 5 metres by 4 metres, has now broken and collapsed into the chamber. About 8 or 10 support stones remain, many of which have fallen. The entrance is to the east. Most of the stones are of the local white limestone, with holes and depressions everywhere, but the large support stone at the back of the chamber is a dark granite rock.
Unfortunately there is a telephone inspection cover right beside the dolmen which detracts. While here there was a helicopter flying very low overhead, perhaps checking on the overhead power lines.
Read More |
205 |
15 |
| Dolmen de la Bastière 1 |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Poitou-Charentes:Vienne (86) |
Visited |
31st Aug 2005 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Marked on my ign 1:100,000 map is a dolmen in the field to the south of the road between Lussac and Montmorillon. I had a good look around, but could find no obvious dolmen to which it referred. However the fields round here have several mounds and piles of stones, which are perhaps the remains of half a dozen dolmens or burial mounds, some of which have since been used to pile up other stones for field clearance purposes, some of which have been...Marked on my ign 1:100,000 map is a dolmen in the field to the south of the road between Lussac and Montmorillon. I had a good look around, but could find no obvious dolmen to which it referred. However the fields round here have several mounds and piles of stones, which are perhaps the remains of half a dozen dolmens or burial mounds, some of which have since been used to pile up other stones for field clearance purposes, some of which have been ploughed out.
Without any more details, I find it hard to know just what is the historical monument dolmen. Perhaps its none of these mounds I saw, and is hiding in a hedge or the very thick woodland nearby. On seeing a more detailed map later in the day, the dolmen is probably a bit further from the road, into the woodland at the far side of the field, to where I had walked. Damn.
Read More |
205 |
16 |
| Dolmen de la Bastière 2 |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Poitou-Charentes:Vienne (86) |
Visited |
31st Aug 2005 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Marked on my ign 1:100,000 map is a dolmen in the field to the south of the road between Lussac and Montmorillon. I had a good look around, but could find no obvious dolmen to which it referred. However the fields round here have several mounds and piles of stones, which are perhaps the remains of half a dozen dolmens or burial mounds, some of which have since been used to pile up other stones for field clearance purposes, some of which have been...Marked on my ign 1:100,000 map is a dolmen in the field to the south of the road between Lussac and Montmorillon. I had a good look around, but could find no obvious dolmen to which it referred. However the fields round here have several mounds and piles of stones, which are perhaps the remains of half a dozen dolmens or burial mounds, some of which have since been used to pile up other stones for field clearance purposes, some of which have been ploughed out. Without any more details, I find it hard to know just what is the historical monument dolmen. Perhaps its none of these mounds I saw, and is hiding in a hedge or the very thick woodland nearby.
On seeing a more detailed map later in the day, the dolmen is probably a bit further from the road, into the woodland at the far side of the field, to where I had walked. Damn.
Read More |
205 |
17 |
| Dolmen dit Pierre-Soupèze |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Poitou-Charentes:Vienne (86) |
Visited |
31st Aug 2005 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
To the southeast of Montmorillon, this dolmen is within a ploughed field, which is very well fenced to keep people out. From the edge of the farm lane you can see a few stones under some bushes, with a large capstone at an angle on top of a couple of supports. From certain angles daylight can be seen beneath it. It is possible that there are two dolmen capstones here, or else there are many other large stones dumped here for field clearance. |
205 |
18 |
| Pierre Brune Dolmen |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Poitou-Charentes:Vienne (86) |
Couldn't find |
31st Aug 2005 |
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|
|
A bit further to the south of Pierre-Soupèze along the same little farm road is a farm called Pierre Brune. There are no obvious signs of any dolmen, but there are lumps and bumps in the fields, and piles of stones in the fields. |
205 |
19 |
| Marchain Dolmen |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Poitou-Charentes:Vienne (86) |
Visited |
31st Aug 2005 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
To the west of the village of Lathus-Saint-Rémy, in the fields near to the hamlet of Marchain, can be found this dolmen. It can be seen across the fields by the crossroads to the south of the hamlet, but I could find no obvious way to get to the dolmen, all the fields being fenced off. It looks to be a fairly simple little dolmen, with a capstone set on top of a few support stones. |
205 |
20 |
| Pierre Levée au Bois Bouéry |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Limousin:Haute-Vienne (87) |
Visited |
31st Aug 2005 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
In the forest to the southwest of Saint-Sulpice-les-Feuilles, this dolmen is easily found as it is signposted from the D.2 road, several kilometres to the north. From the road that leads to the dolmen, it is just a hundred metres walk from a parking place, and it resides in a little forest clearing.
The dolmen is quite a big one, made from granite rocks. The capstone is sort of mushroom shaped, and about 5 metres in diameter. It sits on top o...In the forest to the southwest of Saint-Sulpice-les-Feuilles, this dolmen is easily found as it is signposted from the D.2 road, several kilometres to the north. From the road that leads to the dolmen, it is just a hundred metres walk from a parking place, and it resides in a little forest clearing.
The dolmen is quite a big one, made from granite rocks. The capstone is sort of mushroom shaped, and about 5 metres in diameter. It sits on top of 5 support stones, with at least one other fallen, and is about 1.5 metres off the ground. It covers an oval shaped chamber 4 metres by 3 metres internal dimensions with the probable entrance to the east. The support stone at the northern side appears to have engravings on it, and I would put money on the markings not being natural. Near to the ground is a classic palette about 40 cm long pointing towards the right, and above this a classic necklace and breasts, or else a smiley face. I have not seen any reference to there being carvings here.
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205 |
21 |
| Dolmen de l'Héritière |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Limousin:Haute-Vienne (87) |
Couldn't find |
31st Aug 2005 |
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|
|
To the southwest of Saint-Sulpice-les-Feuilles, between Bouéry and Bras dolmens, in the commune of Arnac-la-Poste, is another dolmen marked on my ign 1:100,000 map, near to the hamlet of L'Ecluse. At the road junction, there was a sign with a dolmen marked on it, with a name something like Le Pau Montbugnard. But following the sign, I was unable to find another, and was not able to find the dolmen. Parking along these little roads was difficult, ...To the southwest of Saint-Sulpice-les-Feuilles, between Bouéry and Bras dolmens, in the commune of Arnac-la-Poste, is another dolmen marked on my ign 1:100,000 map, near to the hamlet of L'Ecluse. At the road junction, there was a sign with a dolmen marked on it, with a name something like Le Pau Montbugnard. But following the sign, I was unable to find another, and was not able to find the dolmen. Parking along these little roads was difficult, so I was not able to get out and have a proper look around in the fields and woods. Shame, because the other two round here are little crackers. I could not find a detailed map to look at in either St-Sulpice or Arnac.
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205 |
22 |
| Bras Dolmen |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Limousin:Haute-Vienne (87) |
Visited |
31st Aug 2005 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
This beautiful little dolmen is fairly easily found to the south of the village of Saint-Sulpice-les-Feuilles along the D.44 road. Just to the north of where the road crosses the river Benaize is a place to park and a signposted footpath to the west. The footpath is well marked with orange marks, and after a couple of hundred metres walk turn right and go up the hill for a further hundred metres.
The dolmen has a rectangular chamber, 3.5 metr...This beautiful little dolmen is fairly easily found to the south of the village of Saint-Sulpice-les-Feuilles along the D.44 road. Just to the north of where the road crosses the river Benaize is a place to park and a signposted footpath to the west. The footpath is well marked with orange marks, and after a couple of hundred metres walk turn right and go up the hill for a further hundred metres.
The dolmen has a rectangular chamber, 3.5 metres by 2 metres, built on the hillside overlooking the river, and it is open to the south. The single granite capstone is 4 metres long by 3 metres wide, and a lovely curved shape, looking from certain directions like an elongated mushroom. It sits on top of seven support stones, with a couple more fallen below it. There are remains of a mound around it, circular and approximately 15 metres in diameter. It is possible that there was once an entry passage, as there are signs of side set slabs on the down slope from the dolmen. The stones here are covered with lots of nice moss. This is such a nice dolmen I was inspired to try and do a little drawing or two.
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205 |
23 |
| Dolmen dit La Maison du Loup |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Limousin:Corrèze (19) |
Visited |
1st Sep 2005 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
About a kilometre from the village of Espartignac, this dolmen can be found along a signposted track from the village square near to the Bar Le Dolmen. It is found in thick woodland on the end of a defended headland overlooking the Vézère river, and is at the top of a cliff edge. The dolmen is in part made from natural rocks, with a couple of sideslabs and a capstone (now broken into two pieces) resting on a rocky outcrop. The capstone is about 3...About a kilometre from the village of Espartignac, this dolmen can be found along a signposted track from the village square near to the Bar Le Dolmen. It is found in thick woodland on the end of a defended headland overlooking the Vézère river, and is at the top of a cliff edge. The dolmen is in part made from natural rocks, with a couple of sideslabs and a capstone (now broken into two pieces) resting on a rocky outcrop. The capstone is about 3 metres by 2 metres, and sits about 2 metres above the floor of the chamber.
The headland has been fortified for many hundreds of years, perhaps even thousands. But what can be seen today, with a Motte surrounded by another flat and defended area, dates to post Roman times. There are also double ditches and banks at the south to defend from the landward side of the headland not surrounded by the river. This place is at the site of an important ford across the Vézère river, on the important route from northern France to the Mediterranean.
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205 |
24 |
| Estivaux Dolmen |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Limousin:Corrèze (19) |
Visited |
1st Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
To the east of the village of Estivaux, this dolmen can be found in a field near to the sports stadium and a new housing development, just about 50 metres from the road. Its an odd little affair, and almost looks modern. The oval capstone, 3.5 m by 2.5 m sits on top of 4 support stones making a small chamber 2 metres by 1 metre inside, and about 1.5 metres in height. The support stones look to me to be quite new, perhaps an enthusiastic restorati...To the east of the village of Estivaux, this dolmen can be found in a field near to the sports stadium and a new housing development, just about 50 metres from the road. Its an odd little affair, and almost looks modern. The oval capstone, 3.5 m by 2.5 m sits on top of 4 support stones making a small chamber 2 metres by 1 metre inside, and about 1.5 metres in height. The support stones look to me to be quite new, perhaps an enthusiastic restoration job has been done, and it is all a bit too level. Unfortunately two of the support stones have been painted blue, and the ambience of the place is spoiled by the power cables directly overhead.
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205 |
25 |
| Dolmen de Rochesseux |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Limousin:Corrèze (19) |
Visited |
1st Sep 2005 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
This little dolmen is found in a sort of parkland high up on the slopes of Puy de Pauliac, above the historical village of Aubazines. It is signposted from the road. A triangular 3 metres by 2 metres capstone sits delicately balanced on top of two side support stones and a back stone, with a chamber 2.5 metres long by 1 metre wide underneath. The two side stones are both pointed at the top, and the capstone sits only on their points, and the smal...This little dolmen is found in a sort of parkland high up on the slopes of Puy de Pauliac, above the historical village of Aubazines. It is signposted from the road. A triangular 3 metres by 2 metres capstone sits delicately balanced on top of two side support stones and a back stone, with a chamber 2.5 metres long by 1 metre wide underneath. The two side stones are both pointed at the top, and the capstone sits only on their points, and the small backstone almost at the same place, overhanging substantially in all directions. The chamber faces eastwards, at a bearing of 080°. The capstone has a lovely ring to it when knocked.
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205 |
26 |
| Puy de Pauliac Cromlech |
Stone Circle |
France |
Limousin:Corrèze (19) |
Visited |
1st Sep 2005 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
At the top of the lovely Puy de Pauliac hill to the east of the historical village of Aubazines, is an orientation table, and fantastic views stretching for many miles in nearly all directions, with the high point of the Massif Central, the Puy de Sancy to be seen way off in the east. Near to the top of this hill is marked a cromlech, and I almost didn't find it. The cromlech can be found a bit downhill to the north of the summit, and it is signp...At the top of the lovely Puy de Pauliac hill to the east of the historical village of Aubazines, is an orientation table, and fantastic views stretching for many miles in nearly all directions, with the high point of the Massif Central, the Puy de Sancy to be seen way off in the east. Near to the top of this hill is marked a cromlech, and I almost didn't find it. The cromlech can be found a bit downhill to the north of the summit, and it is signposted, although the tiny little wooden sign is easily missed, hiding in the woodland.
In a clearing in the forest covered slopes, the cromlech is made with many stones, nearly all less than a metre tall, set up almost touching each other making an enclosure which is a sort of rounded square about 40 to 50 metres across. At the southern, upslope side, is a large outcrop of natural rocks, probably 10 to 15 metres high from which the cromlech extends, joining between other significant natural rocks, to close off the area.
It is very easy to imagine a gathering of people here, with the leader stood on top of the large natural rocks giving his sermon. Within the cromlech are several nicely weathered natural granite slabs, one of which has a large break in it. These would make good seats for the best view !
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205 |
27 |
| Dolmen de la Route Vieille |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Limousin:Corrèze (19) |
Couldn't find |
1st Sep 2005 |
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There is supposed to be a dolmen here, according to my notes, but there is nothing mentioned on any of my maps or on any of the village noticeboards or tourist publicity. Churches, a Chateau and caves are all mentioned, but no dolmen. Perhaps the dolmen is in a different village called Noailles. |
205 |
28 |
| Dolmen de Cieurac |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Lot (46) |
Couldn't find |
1st Sep 2005 |
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Just over the Dordogne river from the town of Souillac should be found this dolmen. There are no signposts to it, and its not on any of my maps, but it is mentioned in a book I have, and is supposedly to be found at a corner of the road in the woods at the top of the hill. However, the woods are very thick and dense, and the hillside very steep, so without any better information, there is no way I am going to find this one. |
205 |
29 |
| Dolmen de Peyrelevade (Septfonds) |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn-et-Garonne (82) |
Visited |
2nd Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
To the west of the village of Septfonds, and to the south of the little airfield are several dolmens in the woodlands. There are signposts to "dolmens" and down a little track is a parking place and more signs. Right beside this track is the first dolmen you come to. It is still mostly within its mound of loose stone, and quite a large one. The 5 metres by 4 metres capstone sits on top of a chamber 4 metres in length, by 2 metres wide, made with ...To the west of the village of Septfonds, and to the south of the little airfield are several dolmens in the woodlands. There are signposts to "dolmens" and down a little track is a parking place and more signs. Right beside this track is the first dolmen you come to. It is still mostly within its mound of loose stone, and quite a large one. The 5 metres by 4 metres capstone sits on top of a chamber 4 metres in length, by 2 metres wide, made with the usual 2 large sideslabs and a back stone, but these stones are completely below ground level. The chamber opens to the east, on a bearing of about 080°. To the west of the main dolmen are a couple of other long side set slabs near to the roadside, where the mound has been cut away. Perhaps this is the remains of a secondary burial chamber ? The mound diameter is about 15 metres. There are lots of strange red topped mushrooms / toadstools poking up through the ground here. Very interesting.
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205 |
30 |
| Finelle Dolmen |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn-et-Garonne (82) |
Visited |
2nd Sep 2005 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
A bit to the west of the first dolmen, along the track running along the southern edge of the airfield, and you soon come to another dolmen. This one has lost its mound, which has no doubt been used to build the local walls, and it is standing proud at the edge of a flat area used for dumping rubble etc. Its a fairly standard southern French dolmen, with two 4 metre long sideslabs and a backstone between them, topped with a capstone, making a cha...A bit to the west of the first dolmen, along the track running along the southern edge of the airfield, and you soon come to another dolmen. This one has lost its mound, which has no doubt been used to build the local walls, and it is standing proud at the edge of a flat area used for dumping rubble etc. Its a fairly standard southern French dolmen, with two 4 metre long sideslabs and a backstone between them, topped with a capstone, making a chamber 3 metres by 2 metres. There is some evidence of a front closing stone, and the chamber faces eastwards on a bearing of 095°.
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205 |
31 |
| Dolmen de Caux-Vieilles |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn-et-Garonne (82) |
Visited |
2nd Sep 2005 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
A bit to the south of the track running along the southern edge of the airfield, in the scrubland, are several mounds of stones. One of these mounds has a clear dolmen chamber within it, 3 metres in length by 1.5 metres in width. It consists of two side slabs and a backstone between them, but no capstone. The northern half of the mound still exists right up to the top of the side support, while the southern part is mostly missing. This chamber is...A bit to the south of the track running along the southern edge of the airfield, in the scrubland, are several mounds of stones. One of these mounds has a clear dolmen chamber within it, 3 metres in length by 1.5 metres in width. It consists of two side slabs and a backstone between them, but no capstone. The northern half of the mound still exists right up to the top of the side support, while the southern part is mostly missing. This chamber is very difficult to photograph with all the trees and bushes around it. I am lead to believe that there are many dolmens to be found within these woodlands, far more than the three that I found.
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205 |
32 |
| Dolmen de Bartalbenque 1 |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn-et-Garonne (82) |
Couldn't find |
2nd Sep 2005 |
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Marked on my map are two dolmens not too far from the road between Dardenne water tower and Bartelbenque. However, this area of land has recently all been divided up and fenced off for what looks like new housing projects. In the scrubland behind the fences it was not possible to see any dolmens. I wonder what their fate is to be. |
205 |
33 |
| Dolmen de Bartalbenque 2 |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn-et-Garonne (82) |
Couldn't find |
2nd Sep 2005 |
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Marked on my map are two dolmens not too far from the road between Dardenne water tower and Bartelbenque. However, this area of land has recently all been divided up and fenced off for what looks like new housing projects. In the scrubland behind the fences it was not possible to see any dolmens. I wonder what their fate is to be. |
205 |
34 |
| Tombe du Géant (Septfonds) |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn-et-Garonne (82) |
Visited |
2nd Sep 2005 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
The Tombe du Géant is a scheduled historic monument, and as such it is marked on the local maps, both 1:25,000 and 1:100,000, near to the farm of Les Tombes to the southeast of Septfonds. It is however not so easy to find in the real world, with the fields and indeed many of the trackways in this area having recently been thoroughly fenced off, with both barbed wire and electric fences, and new hedges planted. At first, I could find no way throug...The Tombe du Géant is a scheduled historic monument, and as such it is marked on the local maps, both 1:25,000 and 1:100,000, near to the farm of Les Tombes to the southeast of Septfonds. It is however not so easy to find in the real world, with the fields and indeed many of the trackways in this area having recently been thoroughly fenced off, with both barbed wire and electric fences, and new hedges planted. At first, I could find no way through to this dolmen, and as it is in a bit of woodland, there was no way I could see anything from nearby either. Before giving up totally, I thought I would try an approach from a different angle, and indeed, there is a new trackway made, which takes one around the newly fenced off land. It is complex to describe, but starting from a point well to the south of where the dolmen is marked, take the signed PR.1 footpath firstly to the east for a couple of hundred metres, and then having passed the end of the first field and passed into some woods, turn left to the north and follow the trackway for about 500 metres where you will then find the Tombe du Géant in the woodland to the left of the path.
The dolmen is a nice one, still partially within its mound. The chamber is made with two long side slabs, each 5 metres in length, and with a nicely shaped and fitted backstone between them. The capstone has broken, and only half of it now remains. The chamber is 4.5 metres long by 1.5 metres wide internally, and as usual faces to the east. This would be a very pleasant spot, but for all the flies buzzing around and the humming and crackling power lines passing almost directly overhead. There are probably several other dolmens to be found in the locality, judging by certain names on the maps.
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205 |
35 |
| Dolmen du Pech (Cazals) |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn-et-Garonne (82) |
Visited |
2nd Sep 2005 |
5 |
3 |
5 |
Despite not being marked on any ign maps I have seen, this box tomb dolmen is easily found as it is right beside the D.75B between Bourdoncle and Doumerc by the road to Frau. Subject of an excavation in 1989, and reconstruction in 1992, it is now fenced in, presumably for protection, but it looks terribly ugly because of that.
The chamber seems to be of a double type, open to the east, with a large first chamber 4.5 metres by 2.5 metres betwe...Despite not being marked on any ign maps I have seen, this box tomb dolmen is easily found as it is right beside the D.75B between Bourdoncle and Doumerc by the road to Frau. Subject of an excavation in 1989, and reconstruction in 1992, it is now fenced in, presumably for protection, but it looks terribly ugly because of that.
The chamber seems to be of a double type, open to the east, with a large first chamber 4.5 metres by 2.5 metres between two large side slabs, followed by the smaller chamber between side slabs one metre apart. A single large capstone covers the back chamber and a part of the first, and there is a secondary loose stone structure on the top, covering the capstone. The front of the chamber is walled off from the outside. The odd thing about this dolmen is the rectangular mound it is contained within, which has been subject to a perhaps over-enthusiastic reconstruction. There are other rectangular tombs like this, especially in this locality, but somehow this seems too regular and uniform. The dimensions of the stone mound are about 10 metres wide by 25 metres long. The back, western, end is curved and not squared. The whole thing is most odd.
While reversing to try and park the van here, I completely missed seeing a roadsign and flattened the thing completely - luckily it was only loosely held in the ground and did no damage, and was easy to stand up again !
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205 |
36 |
| Dolmen de Saillac |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn-et-Garonne (82) |
Visited |
2nd Sep 2005 |
2 |
4 |
4 |
This is a bizarrely Christianised dolmen which can be found in the forests to the south of the village of Caylus. From Caylus follow the signs to St-Amans-le-Vieux ancient church, and park in the vicinity of this, from where you take the GR46 Footpath the opposite way from the road towards the southwest for about 500 metres, and the remains of the dolmen can be seen on the left.
This dolmen has been much altered, and at first I had difficulty...This is a bizarrely Christianised dolmen which can be found in the forests to the south of the village of Caylus. From Caylus follow the signs to St-Amans-le-Vieux ancient church, and park in the vicinity of this, from where you take the GR46 Footpath the opposite way from the road towards the southwest for about 500 metres, and the remains of the dolmen can be seen on the left.
This dolmen has been much altered, and at first I had difficulty recognising it, but it is right beside the path with the wall built right through it. On top of the remains of the capstone has been built a stone plinth, with an ornate iron cross protruding from this, the top of which is about 3 metres above the ground. The dolmen is still partially contained within its circular mound, and the remains of two sidestones and a backstone can be seen, with the small capstone balanced on these and a few other bits of stone to make it level.
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205 |
37 |
| Peyralade Dolmen |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn (81) |
Visited |
2nd Sep 2005 |
4 |
3 |
5 |
This dolmen is easily found, as it stands on a traffic island at the junction of the D.5 and D.91 roads a couple of kilometres to the north of the village of Vaour, on the high plateau to the south of the river Aveyron, and is signposted from several kilometres away.
The large but broken 5 metres by 3 metres capstone sits high above the ground on top of its two side supports (and 4 additional modern support stones) covering a chamber 4 m by 2...This dolmen is easily found, as it stands on a traffic island at the junction of the D.5 and D.91 roads a couple of kilometres to the north of the village of Vaour, on the high plateau to the south of the river Aveyron, and is signposted from several kilometres away.
The large but broken 5 metres by 3 metres capstone sits high above the ground on top of its two side supports (and 4 additional modern support stones) covering a chamber 4 m by 2 m oriented towards the southeast at 135°. Traces of the mound which once covered this dolmen are still visible although now well spread out.
Although this dolmen has lots to recommend it, in its size and high position with splendid views, it unfortunately sits at a fairly busy road junction, and the modern support stones are perhaps a little too obvious.
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205 |
38 |
| Saint-Paul Dolmen |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn (81) |
Visited |
2nd Sep 2005 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
Up in the hills covered with vineyards for the lovely Gaillac wine, to the northwest of the village of Le Verdier along some tiny lanes, can be found this relatively large dolmen. It is perhaps easier to reach by walking along the GR footpath along which it is signposted from the village, than trying to drive towards. However, I drove to a point in the hills to the northwest from where it was also signposted "dans le Bosquet", and then walked bac...Up in the hills covered with vineyards for the lovely Gaillac wine, to the northwest of the village of Le Verdier along some tiny lanes, can be found this relatively large dolmen. It is perhaps easier to reach by walking along the GR footpath along which it is signposted from the village, than trying to drive towards. However, I drove to a point in the hills to the northwest from where it was also signposted "dans le Bosquet", and then walked back towards the village. Unfortunately, not knowing the word Bosquet, I spent ages looking, assuming it was in a hedgerow or little wooded copse which could be see further along the trackway. This is not the case, and to find the dolmen do not follow the footpath, but look across the field to the south and it can be seen at the corner of the wood at the far side.
The large white capstone is 2 metres off the ground covering a chamber 4 metres by 2 metres, with the usual two sidestones and a backstone. The northern side slab is broken, and only survives at the front half of the chamber. The massive capstone is a sort of triangular shape, with the pointed end at the back. The dolmen is all made of a very chalky white stone, which I am slightly surprised has survived this long.
Strange how when you know where things are, they are easy to find. Not only can you clearly see the dolmen from where I had parked, but I also passed a little sign towards it when walking down the footpath. Doh !
There also appears to be another large stone of some kind a bit further along the edge of the wood to the west, which I hadn't seen from when I was there, could this be the remains of another dolmen ? Dolmen de St Pierre ?
The view of the lovely fortified hilltop village of Castelnau-de-Montmiral in the distance to the south is splendid. Mmmm, I must now go and try some of the Gaillac fruit.
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205 |
39 |
| Menhir Ste Carissime |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn (81) |
Visited |
2nd Sep 2005 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
Along the D.1 road between Le Verdier and Cahuzac-sur-Vère, and this menhir can be seen across the far side of the river, which is beyond a ploughed field to the south. At this time in the evening, the menhir was glowing a golden colour in the rays of the setting sun. I struggled across the ploughed field to get a close look from across the river, and estimate it to be about 2 metres tall and 1 metre wide, nicely positioned at a bend in the river...Along the D.1 road between Le Verdier and Cahuzac-sur-Vère, and this menhir can be seen across the far side of the river, which is beyond a ploughed field to the south. At this time in the evening, the menhir was glowing a golden colour in the rays of the setting sun. I struggled across the ploughed field to get a close look from across the river, and estimate it to be about 2 metres tall and 1 metre wide, nicely positioned at a bend in the river below vine covered hillsides. After returning to my van and driving off, about half a mile further east along the road I saw a sign to "menhir" which would have taken you along a footpath and across a bridge to approach the menhir. Oh well.
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205 |
40 |
| Grotte d'Aurignac |
Cave or Rock Shelter |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Haute-Garonne (31) |
Visited |
5th Sep 2005 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Just to the north of the village of Aurignac can be found this important prehistoric shelter, where in 1852 a man was out hunting rabbit with his dog, and the dog found a bone down a hole. Upon the news of this discovery, the locals started investigating and found remains of 27 skeletons, which were removed and reburied in the local cemetery. In the 1860's, scientific excavations were done here, which found that the site had been occupied 30,000 ...Just to the north of the village of Aurignac can be found this important prehistoric shelter, where in 1852 a man was out hunting rabbit with his dog, and the dog found a bone down a hole. Upon the news of this discovery, the locals started investigating and found remains of 27 skeletons, which were removed and reburied in the local cemetery. In the 1860's, scientific excavations were done here, which found that the site had been occupied 30,000 years ago. Many tools, bones etc were found, and the site has given its name to a whole civilisation, the Aurignacian, which dates to between 30,000 and 25,000 years BC.
Today, beside the D.635 road to the northwest of Aurignac village, there is a layby and picnic area, with a large noticeboard explaining about the site. About 50 metres from the noticeboard, down a little track, and there is a small stream with a little bridge made from a large stone slab. Over the millennia, this stream has cut itself into a little cliff face, about 50 metres long by up to 10 metres high. In this cliff face is a large opening which is the first shelter excavated in 1862. There are also a few other smaller openings which have been excavated since, within which more finds were taken from. This is a nice and atmospheric little place. Pity about the rain !
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205 |
41 |
| Musée de Préhistoire (Aurignac) |
Museum |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Haute-Garonne (31) |
Saw from a distance |
5th Sep 2005 |
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In the centre of Aurignac village is the prehistory museum, with all sorts of finds and items found in the local caves. It is situated underneath a little village square with parking available. However, when I visited, it was closed, with a notice stating that it had been closed in May 2004 by the Mairie, for an indefinite period. I have no idea why. |
205 |
42 |
| Musée de Lespugue |
Museum |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Haute-Garonne (31) |
Saw from a distance |
5th Sep 2005 |
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5 |
In the central square of the little village of Lespugue is a museum, which, as many European museums are, is closed on a Monday. This museum has an exhibition of 35,000 years of Lespugue. Outside the museum in a little grassy park is a 10 times lifesize copy of the Venus de Lespugue, a pregnant woman figure dated to 33,000BC, carved from a mammouth tusk which was found in a cave just below the village. |
205 |
43 |
| Grotte des Rideaux |
Cave or Rock Shelter |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Haute-Garonne (31) |
Visited |
5th Sep 2005 |
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5 |
3 |
In the gorges of the river Save, just below the village of Lespugue, can be found many caves and shelters which have yielded ancient remains of habitation from up to 30,000 years ago. Below the Chateau de Lespugue, but very difficult to get to due to the steep sides of the gorge and all the undergrowth is the Grotte de Rideaux (not far from the place where there is a rock in the middle of the road) within which was found the Venus de Lespugue fi...In the gorges of the river Save, just below the village of Lespugue, can be found many caves and shelters which have yielded ancient remains of habitation from up to 30,000 years ago. Below the Chateau de Lespugue, but very difficult to get to due to the steep sides of the gorge and all the undergrowth is the Grotte de Rideaux (not far from the place where there is a rock in the middle of the road) within which was found the Venus de Lespugue figurine.
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205 |
44 |
| Grotte de Gargas |
Cave or Rock Shelter |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Hautes-Pyrénées (65) |
Visited |
5th Sep 2005 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
This is the cave which is famous for all the hand prints, but there is in fact much more than these to be seen. The cave is easily found round some windy lanes, being well signposted, and it is open every day, €6 entry per adult to visit, which takes about an hour. The visit is on two levels, which were two separate caves in prehistoric times, the joining together of which was done in the 19th century. The two caves are both very different, being...This is the cave which is famous for all the hand prints, but there is in fact much more than these to be seen. The cave is easily found round some windy lanes, being well signposted, and it is open every day, €6 entry per adult to visit, which takes about an hour. The visit is on two levels, which were two separate caves in prehistoric times, the joining together of which was done in the 19th century. The two caves are both very different, being used at different times in the past.
The upper level is a large, vertically oriented, well calcite decorated cave, within which are some paintings of animals in either red oxide or black manganese. There are bison, bouquetin and deer. The lower level has some panels with different animals engraved into the walls, which demonstrates the different time of usage, there are mammouth, auryx and reindeer. And then of course there are the hand prints, made by blowing the red or black pigment over the hand. Most do not have complete sets of fingers, and most are left hands, however all have a complete thumb. Why missing fingers ? Surely the hunters of the time would not have cut them off, as it would have been far too much of a handicap. Could it have been disease ? If so, then why no missing thumbs ? The latest thoughts as to this mystery is that the fingers may well have been simply bent back before making the silhouettes. In which case, is it a sign language ? What does it all mean ? Near to the end of the visit to the cave, is the "Great Wall of Hands". Not all of the hands are of adults, and there are hands from children too, some of which must have been quite young. The prints on this wall have been dated to 27,000 years ago. It is incredible to look at these hands of man from all that time ago. Near to the current exit to the cave, there are current excavations going on, the first since 1911, and they are hoping that with modern techniques, that more can be learned about the men that lived here.
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205 |
46 |
| Estaque tumulus |
Chambered Cairn |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Hautes-Pyrénées (65) |
Saw from a distance |
5th Sep 2005 |
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To the west of the village of La Barthe-sur-Neste, and northeast of the row of tumuli along the ridgetop road, can be found the remains of the Estaque tumulus. This is a very large mound, now contained beyond the confines of a rubbish facility, and not easy to access, although it can just about be seen from the road. |
205 |
47 |
| Estaque d'Avezac cinq tumuli |
Chambered Tomb |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Hautes-Pyrénées (65) |
Visited |
5th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
To the west of the village of La Barthe-sur-Neste, and southeast of Capvern, along the hilltop beside the D.938 road, is a row of tumulus mounds. Most are now obvious only because of the ferns and stuff left growing on them, but the northwestern end tumulus is very well formed, 12 metres in diameter, 2 metres high and with a large cross on top. The row extends for about 1 kilometre, and there were probably once many more mounds to be found here, ...To the west of the village of La Barthe-sur-Neste, and southeast of Capvern, along the hilltop beside the D.938 road, is a row of tumulus mounds. Most are now obvious only because of the ferns and stuff left growing on them, but the northwestern end tumulus is very well formed, 12 metres in diameter, 2 metres high and with a large cross on top. The row extends for about 1 kilometre, and there were probably once many more mounds to be found here, now mostly ploughed out or destroyed by the road.
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205 |
48 |
| La Croix-La Botte |
Chambered Tomb |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Hautes-Pyrénées (65) |
Visited |
5th Sep 2005 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
To the west of the village of La Barthe-sur-Neste, and southeast of Capvern, along the hilltop beside the D.938 road, is a row of tumulus mounds. Most are now obvious only because of the ferns and stuff left growing on them, but the northwestern end tumulus is very well formed, 12 metres in diameter, 2 metres high and with a large cross on top. The row extends for about 1 kilometre, and there were probably once many more mounds to be found here, ...To the west of the village of La Barthe-sur-Neste, and southeast of Capvern, along the hilltop beside the D.938 road, is a row of tumulus mounds. Most are now obvious only because of the ferns and stuff left growing on them, but the northwestern end tumulus is very well formed, 12 metres in diameter, 2 metres high and with a large cross on top. The row extends for about 1 kilometre, and there were probably once many more mounds to be found here, now mostly ploughed out or destroyed by the road.
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205 |
49 |
| Fontaine de Trois Seigneurs tumulus |
Chambered Tomb |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Hautes-Pyrénées (65) |
Visited |
6th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
When at the Fontaine de Trois Seigneurs, instead of turning left towards the Pouey-Majou dolmen continue southwest for a few hundred yards along the farmtrack, and there is a large mound at the top of the hill. It can be clearly seen against the skyline while walking towards it from quite some distance off, all covered in bracken and scrub. Unfortunately, it has all been fenced off, so I couldnt get a closer look. It looks to be about 20 metres i...When at the Fontaine de Trois Seigneurs, instead of turning left towards the Pouey-Majou dolmen continue southwest for a few hundred yards along the farmtrack, and there is a large mound at the top of the hill. It can be clearly seen against the skyline while walking towards it from quite some distance off, all covered in bracken and scrub. Unfortunately, it has all been fenced off, so I couldnt get a closer look. It looks to be about 20 metres in diameter, by 3 metres high. The northwest side looks to have been recently cut away with earth moving equipment. In fact, it is in such a badly cared for state, that at first I assumed that it might be just a modern mound of earth, for some reason piled there by the farmer. But it is indeed an ancient burial mound, which is in desperate need of some proper care. It wouldn't be the only one of these large burial mounds round here to be destroyed in recent times, as one was ploughed out less than 10 years ago.
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205 |
50 |
| Pouey-Mayou |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Hautes-Pyrénées (65) |
Visited |
6th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
To the southwest of the town of Tarbes, and the village of Osson, take the unmarked road to the south. Partway along this road is a parking area, picnic site and a map of footpath circuits in the area. However, continue further until the road runs out and turns into a dirt track. From here, the Pouey-Majou dolmen should now be signposted on yellow footpath signs, but basically turn left, then left again and walk up to the top of the hill, about a...To the southwest of the town of Tarbes, and the village of Osson, take the unmarked road to the south. Partway along this road is a parking area, picnic site and a map of footpath circuits in the area. However, continue further until the road runs out and turns into a dirt track. From here, the Pouey-Majou dolmen should now be signposted on yellow footpath signs, but basically turn left, then left again and walk up to the top of the hill, about a kilometre from where I was able to park.
The dolmen is to be found in a large mound, one of many large mounds along this hilltop ridge, but the only one easily and relatively readily accessible without doing a whole days walk to Bartres. The top of the mound has been dug into to reveal a large stone lined chamber about 7 metres long by 3 metres wide, with a single capstone still in place at the eastern end.
It is all very overgrown and difficult to see clearly, let alone get good photos of. It doesn't help that its been raining heavily for 24 hours, and everything is soaking wet. The mound is probably 40 metres in diameter, and up to 4 or 5 metres high. The level of the top of the remaining capstone is at least 2 metres below the level of the mound here.
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205 |
51 |
| Poueyferré Tumulus |
Chambered Tomb |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Hautes-Pyrénées (65) |
Visited |
6th Sep 2005 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
A few kilometres to the northwest of Lourdes, on the eastern side of the D.940 road near to Poueyferré, take the minor road down into the dip to the hamlet of Maillous, where this large tumulus can be found. To get to the tumulus, which can be seen from the road, walk down a little trackway which leads to the south beside a couple of houses. The trackway runs out at a little woodland, and the tumulus is contained within this wood.
It is about...A few kilometres to the northwest of Lourdes, on the eastern side of the D.940 road near to Poueyferré, take the minor road down into the dip to the hamlet of Maillous, where this large tumulus can be found. To get to the tumulus, which can be seen from the road, walk down a little trackway which leads to the south beside a couple of houses. The trackway runs out at a little woodland, and the tumulus is contained within this wood.
It is about 30 metres in diameter, and 5 metres high with quite steep sides, and has a relatively modern tomb built onto the top of it. The woodland is fenced off, so complete access to the tumulus is not possible, and as the undergrowth is quite thick, getting decent pictures is not easy.
Just to the north of the large mound, about 40 metres away, is the remains of what looks to have been another tumulus, now mostly ploughed out and lost into the fields, except for a small bit still covered with trees. It has become horribly wet again here, with thunderstorms rumbling all around.
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205 |
52 |
| Peyre-Crabère |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Hautes-Pyrénées (65) |
Visited |
6th Sep 2005 |
3 |
2 |
5 |
Right beside the D.940 road as it enters the northern boundary of the town of Lourdes from Pau direction, can be found this large leaning menhir. It sits right at the corner of a little housing road, Rue Peyre-Crabère, and has a bus shelter and garden hedge for company on its other two sides. The stone is about 3 metres tall, and leans almost 30° from vertical. While I was stopped here, it was thundering, pouring with rain, and very busy with tra...Right beside the D.940 road as it enters the northern boundary of the town of Lourdes from Pau direction, can be found this large leaning menhir. It sits right at the corner of a little housing road, Rue Peyre-Crabère, and has a bus shelter and garden hedge for company on its other two sides. The stone is about 3 metres tall, and leans almost 30° from vertical. While I was stopped here, it was thundering, pouring with rain, and very busy with traffic.
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205 |
53 |
| Dolmen du Peyre-Dusets |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Hautes-Pyrénées (65) |
Visited |
6th Sep 2005 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
To the northwest of the village of Poueyferré, take the road up into the hills towards the Dechetterie and park as near as possible to the Chemin Henry IV trackway which runs along the top of the ridge here. Take this ancient trackway northwards, and walk for about a kilometer, where the Peyre-Dusets dolmen can be found. It is signposted.
The dolmen is right beside the track and has a 2 metres by 1 metre chamber covered by a partially fallen ...To the northwest of the village of Poueyferré, take the road up into the hills towards the Dechetterie and park as near as possible to the Chemin Henry IV trackway which runs along the top of the ridge here. Take this ancient trackway northwards, and walk for about a kilometer, where the Peyre-Dusets dolmen can be found. It is signposted.
The dolmen is right beside the track and has a 2 metres by 1 metre chamber covered by a partially fallen capstone which is fairly round and about 2.5 metres in diameter. The dolmen faces towards the southeast and probably has fantastic views towards the mountains, but unfortunately no view at all today while I am here. There is a semblance of the remains of a mound at the back and to the west of the dolmen.
There are lots of deer in and out of the maize in the fields around here, and chestnuts falling onto me from the trees surrounding the lane, which is nice.
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205 |
54 |
| Peyrasse menhir |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Hautes-Pyrénées (65) |
Couldn't find |
6th Sep 2005 |
|
|
|
I had a bit of a look for this, but it is not on the map in detail, and I found nothing obvious in the real world. |
205 |
55 |
| Dolmen de Barzun |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Aquitaine:Pyrénées-Atlantiques 64 |
Couldn't find |
|
|
|
|
My maps have nothing marked in detail as to the whereabouts of this dolmen, and I could find no details or signs to it in the village. Somehow I didn’t find this dolmen which I learned later is pretty much in the centre of the village in a little square. Doh ! |
205 |
56 |
| Calhau de Teberno Dolmen |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Aquitaine:Pyrénées-Atlantiques 64 |
Visited |
6th Sep 2005 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
This dolmen can be found in a nice little landscaped bit of parkland, sandwiched between the D.920 road and the railway line at the outskirts of the village of Buzy a couple of kilometres to the north of Arudy. There are many other rocks in the park, which have probably all been placed as features, but perhaps one or two are related to the dolmen.
It sits on top of a little hillock, which I wonder whether these are the remains of a large tumu...This dolmen can be found in a nice little landscaped bit of parkland, sandwiched between the D.920 road and the railway line at the outskirts of the village of Buzy a couple of kilometres to the north of Arudy. There are many other rocks in the park, which have probably all been placed as features, but perhaps one or two are related to the dolmen.
It sits on top of a little hillock, which I wonder whether these are the remains of a large tumulus ? The chamber is largely below the level of the surrounding ground. The dolmen has a lovely curvy capstone sitting on top of a chamber 4 metres long by 1,5 metres wide, with nicely positioned side slabs each side (3 one side, 4 the other). There is a well fitted backstone, and the chamber opens to the southeast on an alignment of 135°, but perhaps more importantly this is looking directly towards the big gap in the mountains, which is the entry to the Ossau valley.
If it wasn't for the bad weather, and all the trees around, this dolmen would have superb views. I think that I later learn that the dolmen was possibly moved to its current position when the railway was constructed.
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205 |
57 |
| Turoum-Bouchous Dolmen |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Aquitaine:Pyrénées-Atlantiques 64 |
Couldn't find |
7th Sep 2005 |
|
|
|
I couldn’t find any evidence on any maps I had, and asked at the tourist information office and national park centre, but nobody knew anything about this dolmen. |
205 |
58 |
| Lou Couraus Cromlechs |
Stone Circle |
France |
Aquitaine:Pyrénées-Atlantiques 64 |
Visited |
7th Sep 2005 |
4 |
5 |
3 |
High up above the Ossau valley above the village of Bielle can be found several circles of stones, on a little shelf of land halfway up the mountainside, and in a wonderful viewpoint above the valley. From the village take the road up towards Col de Marie Blanc, and park at the Chapelle de Houndas after about 5 kilometres, and about 8 km before the Col. From here the cromlechs are easily reached, on a signposted walk along mountain trackways. All...High up above the Ossau valley above the village of Bielle can be found several circles of stones, on a little shelf of land halfway up the mountainside, and in a wonderful viewpoint above the valley. From the village take the road up towards Col de Marie Blanc, and park at the Chapelle de Houndas after about 5 kilometres, and about 8 km before the Col. From here the cromlechs are easily reached, on a signposted walk along mountain trackways. Allow three hours for the return visit round the signposted footpath.
Unfortunately, the day I am here is not good for the weather, and I am mostly enveloped in cloud, so I am not getting the fantastic views, in fact most of my walk up the visibility is only 50 metres, which is a pity, because the big mountains around Col D'Aubisque should all be visible from here. After following the trackway for a couple of kilometres, the cromlechs are found a short distance up a steepish path to the left, and after lots of exploring, I counted what I thought to be 16 circles of various sizes.
The first cromlech I found, which I shall call Cromlech A (4), is right beside the track, and has a diameter of 6 metres, with 26 stones still in position, mostly contiguous around the outside, but with about 4 or 5 gaps. Within the circle are lots more stones, and perhaps the remnants of a central burial area, circular and about one metre in diameter. It is of course possible that these stones are the remains of a cairn, and the circular structure is a fluke (although after seeing more of these Pyrenean cromlechs later on my tour, the remains of burial cairns and cists in the centre of these circles is fairly common). A further look suggests that it may have had an entrance to the east, on 065°, between two larger white stones, with a dark one in between. This circle reminded me in many ways of that at Belstone on Dartmoor.
Cromlech B (2). This is a smaller circle, but very well formed, 4 metres in diameter, consisting of about 20 stones, with many more smaller pieces in place. The largest stone is about 0.7 metres high.
Cromlech C (1). This is about 9 metres in diameter with about 18 stones in place, with many more fallen. Some of these stones stand over a metre in height. The ground within is stony and slightly raised, suggesting the remains of a cairn. This circle is just 3 metres away from circle B at the closest point.
Cromlech D and more (6 to 15). Walking eastwards along the shelf of land from Cromlech A for 50 metres, and in a place where some of the vegetation has been cleared back can be seen many more circles of stone. It is not easy to count them, as although some are complete, several are partial, and many are buried in the undergrowth. Suffice to say that there are about a dozen circles here, made with smaller stones, and ranging in diameter from 2.5 metres to 5 metres. What I shall call circle 8 is a nicely formed circle 5 metres in diameter and with about 24 readily identifiable stones. It doesn't photograph well as it is underneath some bushes.
At last, after sitting and spending ages up here, the cloud has risen above me, and in fact there are patches of blue sky, although not as yet above the mountains. Its really beautiful up here, with birdies tweeting and bells ringing all around. How much longer should I stay though ? Perhaps its better to be getting back now, its gone 3:00pm. Ahhh, the cows have arrived. I can go back now the cows have come home ! Take many more pictures with the cows n them, the stones make good scratching posts. I get down to the van at 4:00, and its now mostly sunny. Time to tackle Aubisque and Soulor.
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205 |
59 |
| Menhir de Soulor |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Hautes-Pyrénées (65) |
Couldn't find |
7th Sep 2005 |
|
|
|
There is a stone at the top of the Col de Soulor, now used as a signpost and footpath marker, but I doubt it is the menhir. Nothing else obvious was seen while I was up here, but the Col was in the clouds and the visibility was severely lacking.
At a later point in time, I found out that apparently the stone is down the road to the left (North) of the Col. |
205 |
60 |
| Peyre Hicade de Payolle |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Hautes-Pyrénées (65) |
Visited |
8th Sep 2005 |
3 |
5 |
4 |
I spent hours looking for this, largely because walking around here in such a beautiful part of the world and the wonderful scenery is such a great pleasure. The stone is somewhere to the south of the Lac de Payolle, and its holiday complex. There is even a 2 hour circular walk signposted and named Peyre Hicade. But to properly find the stone takes a lot of doing, and it is not actually passed by the named walking trail !
To start with I wasn...I spent hours looking for this, largely because walking around here in such a beautiful part of the world and the wonderful scenery is such a great pleasure. The stone is somewhere to the south of the Lac de Payolle, and its holiday complex. There is even a 2 hour circular walk signposted and named Peyre Hicade. But to properly find the stone takes a lot of doing, and it is not actually passed by the named walking trail !
To start with I wasn't totally sure that I found the real stone, but the one I found at least looks like a proper menhir, and not a natural fallen rock. It is just over 2 metres high although the top has broken off and lies at its foot, and by a trackway above the road at the furthest point from the lake on the Peyre Hicade walk, although the signposts for the path do not lead or point to the stone.
If following the road south from the lake, just after the road crosses a bridge, and then does an almost hairpin turn to the right, park and follow a trackway up the hill to the left, on the uphill side of the stream. If this is not the menhir, I do not know what is - it looks like an other picture I have seen.
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205 |
61 |
| Menhir de Bordères-Louron |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Hautes-Pyrénées (65) |
Couldn't find |
8th Sep 2005 |
|
|
|
I asked at Tourist Office, but they, as usual, knew nothing, and said I must have the wrong village ! |
205 |
62 |
| Aneran stone |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Hautes-Pyrénées (65) |
Visited |
8th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
Deep into the Louron valley, on the western side of the Col de Peyresourde in the high Pyrenees, is the tiny village of Aneran. In the tiny churchyard beside this small ancient church in this little Pyrenean village are several odds and ends of old stone, some carved into shapes and and with patterns on them.
I assume the prehistoric stone here is the dark grey cylindrical block, stood beside the wall at the corner of the church. Its about 1....Deep into the Louron valley, on the western side of the Col de Peyresourde in the high Pyrenees, is the tiny village of Aneran. In the tiny churchyard beside this small ancient church in this little Pyrenean village are several odds and ends of old stone, some carved into shapes and and with patterns on them.
I assume the prehistoric stone here is the dark grey cylindrical block, stood beside the wall at the corner of the church. Its about 1.2 metres tall, and approximately circular in section with about 30 cm diameter. It reminds me a bit of some of the iron age steles in Brittany. The church also has some fascinating carved stones built into its walls. An interesting little place.
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205 |
63 |
| Armenteule Menhir |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Hautes-Pyrénées (65) |
Visited |
8th Sep 2005 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
Deep in the Louron valley, on the western side of the Col de Peyresourde in the high Pyrenees, is the tiny village of Armenteule. In this sleepy little Pyrenean village there is an old church. Inside the churchyard, just beside the back of the church, is a standing stone. Whether the church was built beside the menhir, or the stone was brought here later I do not know.
The stone is a piece of slatey schist, stands some 1.3 metres tall, and is...Deep in the Louron valley, on the western side of the Col de Peyresourde in the high Pyrenees, is the tiny village of Armenteule. In this sleepy little Pyrenean village there is an old church. Inside the churchyard, just beside the back of the church, is a standing stone. Whether the church was built beside the menhir, or the stone was brought here later I do not know.
The stone is a piece of slatey schist, stands some 1.3 metres tall, and is approximately 40 cm wide by 20 cm thick at the base, tapering slightly to the top. The whole place has a nice feel about it, as if its as old as the hills, and that man has been living and farming here for eternity. It is slightly strange that this stone (and that at nearby Aneran) is made of a dark grey / black slatey stone, when the majority of stone round here is pale granite.
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205 |
64 |
| Carnac Pyrénéen |
Stone Circle |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Haute-Garonne (31) |
Visited |
9th Sep 2005 |
4 |
5 |
3 |
Blimey, its almost sunny. In fact it is sunny at the tops of the mountains. I'd better get a move on. A bakers van comes round the camp site which is a help. Put last nights wet stuff outside to dry off. Leave the campsite by 10:00 and drive to Benque. Unfortunately I cannot park where I want to. Look at the maps and go elsewhere where I can park at the edge of the main road a bit further up the valley, and start walking up a different path. It i...Blimey, its almost sunny. In fact it is sunny at the tops of the mountains. I'd better get a move on. A bakers van comes round the camp site which is a help. Put last nights wet stuff outside to dry off. Leave the campsite by 10:00 and drive to Benque. Unfortunately I cannot park where I want to. Look at the maps and go elsewhere where I can park at the edge of the main road a bit further up the valley, and start walking up a different path. It is now warm and sunny, so I change back into shorts and techno shirt. Pack bag, boots on and away by 10 to 11.
The route is along a flat track at first, and then it joins with the path I would have been on at the edge of the village. The path is now quite steep, zig zagging up the side of the mountain, but its a well used track with occasional signs. I get to the first set of cromlechs at 11:45. The views from up here are beautiful all around, and there are all sorts of big birds flying around, and mushrooms etc. There are a few of the autumn crocus flowers looking to poke their heads out and bloom. The only other people around are 4 English people, who I saw parking where I had wanted to in the village. Cars will fit there, but not camper vans.
The 4 English people join me at the circles and we chat a bit. They are out walking and looking at the birds. Probably about my age and out here on a months holiday! There are lots of vultures about just above us. There is a sheep carcas further up the hill that they are after, but there is a dog up there also, so the vultures are circling, waiting... They have counted over 60 of them. A fantastic sight.
On the way back from here there are lots of those lovely flat thistle flowers out, and also some of the autumn crocus. This morning they were just pushing their heads through the soil, but now they are in full flower. Beautiful. It was a wonderful few hours up here in the hills, but now I have to get on. The weather has now cleared enough that I can see some glaciers up on the distant ridge. I get back down to the van just after 4:00, and decide to move on. I decide to head for Spain, over the Col du Portillon, which doesn't seem too far up, but its a massive drop down the other side into Spain.
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205 |
65 |
| Sarrat de Cousseillot Cromlechs |
Stone Circle |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Haute-Garonne (31) |
Visited |
9th Sep 2005 |
4 |
5 |
3 |
The first cromlechs I arrive at are about 200 metres from the track, and signposted down a little footpath past some sheep pens at 1345 metres altitude. I saw 4 cairn circles up here, plus perhaps one large open circle. At first I thought I had seen a big open circle, but I am not completely sure. If it is one, it is made of natural rocks pushed into position, with a diameter of about 40 metres, and the stones 8 to 10 metres apart. I will look at...The first cromlechs I arrive at are about 200 metres from the track, and signposted down a little footpath past some sheep pens at 1345 metres altitude. I saw 4 cairn circles up here, plus perhaps one large open circle. At first I thought I had seen a big open circle, but I am not completely sure. If it is one, it is made of natural rocks pushed into position, with a diameter of about 40 metres, and the stones 8 to 10 metres apart. I will look at this more later.
Just beyond the first fence is a group of 4 cromlechs on the ridgetop. The uppermost is diameter 6 metres and a nicely formed circle using a couple of large natural rocks. There are 19 tightly packed stones around the circumference, and the ground level is substantially higher within. The next nearest cromlech is a small circle 2.5 metres in diameter, with 12 stones around the circumference, and again the ground level is higher within than outside. This is right adjacent to the third cromlech, again 6 metres in diameter and there are 17 visible stones surrounding slightly higher ground within. In the centre of this ring are a few stones which probably once made up a burial cist. One or two of the stones in this circle are quite large, up to 1 metre high.
The fourth cromlech, a bit further down the hillside, is a bit ruinous. 5 metres in diameter, the upper half is well defined, but the lower half is just big natural rocks and a few packing stones. There are 18 stones still to be seen making up this circle, and again a possible burial cist in the middle.
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205 |
66 |
| Mail de Soupène Cromlechs |
Stone Circle |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Haute-Garonne (31) |
Visited |
9th Sep 2005 |
4 |
5 |
3 |
Wow ! A bit further down the hill to the east, on a little upland ridge, is a row of stone circles all interlocking with each other. I counted 14 cairn circles up here, sort of joined together in a line along a little hillock. Fantastic. The largest one is on the top of the hillock, and there a row of others running from it down the ridgetop. Then there are other smaller circles built in between the larger ones.
Some of these circles have ver...Wow ! A bit further down the hill to the east, on a little upland ridge, is a row of stone circles all interlocking with each other. I counted 14 cairn circles up here, sort of joined together in a line along a little hillock. Fantastic. The largest one is on the top of the hillock, and there a row of others running from it down the ridgetop. Then there are other smaller circles built in between the larger ones.
Some of these circles have very well defined cists in their centre - indeed a couple of the smaller, lower circles still have slab lined boxes with both floor and capstones still in place. The top circle has a diameter of 7 metres, and is nicely formed with 23 stones making up the circumference with just a few gaps. There is nice flat grass within but no other obvious features. There are too many circles to write about individually, so I will just list the basic details of the circles I saw in a table below, with numbers matching the little sketch plan.
There is possibly a lot more remains here in the bracken, and not so well defined, and difficult to find.
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205 |
67 |
| L'alignement d'Espiaub |
Stone Row / Alignment |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Haute-Garonne (31) |
Visited |
9th Sep 2005 |
3 |
5 |
3 |
I have seen nothing definite about what is to be found up here, but it is possible to imagine/envisage that there are perhaps 4 or 5 lines of stones running across the hillside, with one or more crossing them, but it is very difficult to know exactly what is what. I walked down from the second set of cromlechs to something I could see, and found a manhole cover for a little cattle trough reservoir !
Looking back up the hillside from here, I w...I have seen nothing definite about what is to be found up here, but it is possible to imagine/envisage that there are perhaps 4 or 5 lines of stones running across the hillside, with one or more crossing them, but it is very difficult to know exactly what is what. I walked down from the second set of cromlechs to something I could see, and found a manhole cover for a little cattle trough reservoir !
Looking back up the hillside from here, I would swear that I can see lines of stones coming down the hill from the first set of cromlechs. The stones are all in the bracken, but the bigger stones stand out above this. I think I can see 4 or 5 parallel rows of stones running down the hillside, with the stones looking evenly spaced. They extend to beyond where I am - perhaps 500 metres or more in total length, and I would estimate about 20 metres between rows. This is very difficult to photograph. But am I seeing things ? Not for nothing is there something up here called the Espiaube alignments.
While searching around on the slopes for closer signs of the parallel rows, and I still believe that I can see them, I clearly see a row running up and down the slope, across the lines of possible alignments. The top of the row starts at a spring, which has several large stones standing within a little pool, and continues downslope for about 100 metres, with perhaps more lost in the thick bracken. The stones are spaced evenly, about 8 metres apart from each other. I started to count the stones while walking up from the bottom, but part way up I am sure I saw another line running in parallel with the obvious one. The second line is in the bracken, while the first is in clear grass, as if lots of people have walked up and down here. This all reminds me very much of various Dartmoor and Exmoor rows.
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205 |
68 |
| Grotte de Mas D'Azil |
Cave or Rock Shelter |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Ariège (09) |
Visited |
10th Sep 2005 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
Parked at the upstream end of the Mas d'Azil cave, and it hits home again just how MASSIVE this cave is. I walk through the cave again, partly to check where the low bits are for the van. I have forgotten that you can see all sorts of bits and pieces of passages inside.
Decided not to bother with the paid visit, although perhaps I should have, cos I spent enough other time here anyway. A bungy jump has been set up outside the south entrance t...Parked at the upstream end of the Mas d'Azil cave, and it hits home again just how MASSIVE this cave is. I walk through the cave again, partly to check where the low bits are for the van. I have forgotten that you can see all sorts of bits and pieces of passages inside.
Decided not to bother with the paid visit, although perhaps I should have, cos I spent enough other time here anyway. A bungy jump has been set up outside the south entrance to the cave, and I watch people doing this for a while - seeing people dropping and hanging in front of the cave entrance really shows the scale. Eventually leave and drive through the cave to the village.
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205 |
70 |
| Cap-Del Pouech Dolmen |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Ariège (09) |
Visited |
10th Sep 2005 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
Decided its silly to have come to Mas d'Azil and not gone to visit the dolmen, as it is signposted from the village, and you can drive up a narrow windy lane almost right to it, and theres a place to park just a few hundred metres from the dolmen.
It looks to me to have been re-erected at some point in the past, with one of its little supports possibly being concreted in. A large limestone capstone, 3.5 metres by 2.5 metres, sits high on top ...Decided its silly to have come to Mas d'Azil and not gone to visit the dolmen, as it is signposted from the village, and you can drive up a narrow windy lane almost right to it, and theres a place to park just a few hundred metres from the dolmen.
It looks to me to have been re-erected at some point in the past, with one of its little supports possibly being concreted in. A large limestone capstone, 3.5 metres by 2.5 metres, sits high on top of 4 support stones, one backstone, one large and two smaller side stones. The chamber is 2.5 by 1.5 metres, and positioned on a little limestone outcrop with possibly some traces of a cairn around it.
Unfortunately, the poor thing has succumbed to the usual problems of graffitti and broken beer bottles. The dolmen de Brillaud is signposted from here, and I am tempted.....
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205 |
71 |
| Brillaud Dolmen |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Ariège (09) |
Visited |
10th Sep 2005 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
At Cap-Del Pouech, I looked carefully at my maps and found that I could drive halfway to this dolmen and hopefully park up by La Page farm, which will save on the walking. From there, it was a 25 minute walk along a well maintained and signed footpath along a lovely ridgetop, but difficult underfoot on the bare and slippery limestone and mud.
It is in fact two dolmens, both within most of their stony mounds which are adjoined. The east dolmen...At Cap-Del Pouech, I looked carefully at my maps and found that I could drive halfway to this dolmen and hopefully park up by La Page farm, which will save on the walking. From there, it was a 25 minute walk along a well maintained and signed footpath along a lovely ridgetop, but difficult underfoot on the bare and slippery limestone and mud.
It is in fact two dolmens, both within most of their stony mounds which are adjoined. The east dolmen has a chamber 3 metres by 1.5 metres, open towards the east, with two side slabs and a capstone still in place. The back stone has broken and fallen. The western dolmen is a bit of a wreck, and only faint remains of the chamber can be seen. The overall mound is about 20 metres in length, by 10 metres wide, and seems to have some large slabs in its perimeter, defining the outside shape.
On a good day, the views from up here would be superb, the high Pyrenees to the south, and the plain of Toulouse to the north, but today its just clouds. Good job I didnt try and get to the third (Couminges) dolmen on the walk, as its already 5:30 by the time I get back to the van !
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205 |
72 |
| Musée de Mas-d'Azil |
Museum |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Ariège (09) |
Saw from a distance |
10th Sep 2005 |
|
|
5 |
In the village of Mas d'Azil is the natural history museum. Its in a nicely kept building just off the main village square, opposite the roofed market place right outside the church. As it was late in the day I didn’t go in. I think that if you do the caves tour, the museum visit is included for free. |
205 |
73 |
| Grotte de Lombrives |
Cave or Rock Shelter |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Ariège (09) |
Saw from a distance |
11th Sep 2005 |
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|
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This is said to be the biggest cave in Europe, and has a complex arrangement of 25 different types of visit. Or in my case, none at all ! |
205 |
74 |
| Parc Pyrénéen de l'Art Préhistorique |
Museum |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Ariège (09) |
Visited |
11th Sep 2005 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
This is a wonderful day out, in a beautifully landscaped park in the wonderful Pyrenees. The visit starts in the Grand Atelier, a sort of museum of prehistoric artwhich explains all the whys and wheres of prehistoric art, not only in this region, but all over the world.
There is a special emphasis on the nearby Grotte de Niaux, and there is an excellent model of the cave to be seen. There are all sorts of audiovisual items to be seen, and the...This is a wonderful day out, in a beautifully landscaped park in the wonderful Pyrenees. The visit starts in the Grand Atelier, a sort of museum of prehistoric artwhich explains all the whys and wheres of prehistoric art, not only in this region, but all over the world.
There is a special emphasis on the nearby Grotte de Niaux, and there is an excellent model of the cave to be seen. There are all sorts of audiovisual items to be seen, and the visitor is guided round with a pair of infrared headphones which pick up signals from each display. There are lots of full size recreations of parts of Niaux, including the footprints in one deep section which are not seen in the real cave visit, and copies of many of the animal paintings, including the solitary known weasel. The visit round this museum part (in my case a very interesting hour and a half) with a full size recreation of the Salon Noir from the Grotte de Niaux, with all its Buffalo and other animals. Fantastic.
Outside, in the wonderfully landscaped park, are all sorts of activities for all to take part in. There are demonstrations of archaeological techniques, footprint recognition, a musical maze, a prehistoric camp with many types of shelter recreated, with firemaking and flint knapping. Then there are hunting displays which include types of propulseur from around the world (and have a go at throwing your own spear using one - and yes, I would have gone home with dinner!), and even have a go yourself at cave painting, with demonstrations of the various techniques. This sort of museum is something I am realising that the French do very well.
All of this takes you on a lovely walk through beautiful scenery too, with grasslands, woodland, lakes and a lovely cave section - complete with footprints, fossils, idols and waterfalls. I just loved it here. I thought that I would quickly rush round the place, but spent nearly all day here. It even has a decent restaurant and a good shop, which unfortunately means buying more books! Thoroughly recommended as a top day out for all.
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205 |
75 |
| Grotte de La Vache |
Cave or Rock Shelter |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Ariège (09) |
Visited |
11th Sep 2005 |
|
|
4 |
Just opposite to the Grotte de Niaux, on the other side of the valley, is the Grotte de la Vache, with its celebrated Salle de Monique. The cave is open for visits at €8 a time, but because I had spent so long at the nearby Parc Pyrénéen de l'Art Préhistorique, the visits had finished for the day when I arrived.
The information at the cave states that it is the smallest cave open for visits in the Pyrenees, but has had the most finds and arti...Just opposite to the Grotte de Niaux, on the other side of the valley, is the Grotte de la Vache, with its celebrated Salle de Monique. The cave is open for visits at €8 a time, but because I had spent so long at the nearby Parc Pyrénéen de l'Art Préhistorique, the visits had finished for the day when I arrived.
The information at the cave states that it is the smallest cave open for visits in the Pyrenees, but has had the most finds and articles taken from it. Amongst these are many engraved bones and antlers, including the famous lions. Within the cave is a description of life during the Magdaleinean, 13,000 years ago, with workshops etc held around the fireplace.
To get here, park in the village of Alliat, and then its about a 500 metre easy walk around the hillside. The cave is signposted from all around.
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205 |
76 |
| Grotte de Niaux |
Cave or Rock Shelter |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Ariège (09) |
Saw from a distance |
11th Sep 2005 |
|
|
4 |
The world famous cave, known for its tremendous paintings of bison and horses, is easily found just up a small valley to the west of Tarascon, and is signposted from all around, you can hardly miss it. The cave is up the hillside from the village of Niaux with its museum, and is situated opposite to the Grotte de la Vache.
The modern day entrance, with its rusting iron "artwork" is high up the hillside in an enormous opening, which was not th...The world famous cave, known for its tremendous paintings of bison and horses, is easily found just up a small valley to the west of Tarascon, and is signposted from all around, you can hardly miss it. The cave is up the hillside from the village of Niaux with its museum, and is situated opposite to the Grotte de la Vache.
The modern day entrance, with its rusting iron "artwork" is high up the hillside in an enormous opening, which was not the original entrance to the cave in ancient times, which was further down in the valley. Visits are year round, but only a few people are allowed in on any day to help preserve the conditions inside, so it is usually necessary to book your visit in advance.
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205 |
77 |
| Source de Fontestorbes |
Holy Well or Sacred Spring |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Ariège (09) |
Visited |
11th Sep 2005 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
This is a very interesting place, one of only a few known examples in the world, with its intermittant spring gushing from a cave in a cliff face beside the road, well signposted a kilometre or so to the south of the little Pyrenean town of Belesta. In the dry summer months, due to a complex and not fully understood syphoning mechanism, the spring alternates between full flowing river, and barely a trickle, on an approximately hourly cycle for ab...This is a very interesting place, one of only a few known examples in the world, with its intermittant spring gushing from a cave in a cliff face beside the road, well signposted a kilometre or so to the south of the little Pyrenean town of Belesta. In the dry summer months, due to a complex and not fully understood syphoning mechanism, the spring alternates between full flowing river, and barely a trickle, on an approximately hourly cycle for about 4 months of the year.
The place has been well done up since I was last here 5 years ago, with new parking area, a pedestrian bridge built over the stream, and a building with shop and cafe facilities, with more planned such as a picnic site and nature walk, and there were quite a lot of people here.
When I arrived, the spring was gushing quite a lot, the water easily covering the little steps across the entrance into the cave, just as it was every other time I have visited here in the past (I think I have been here about 4 times before, and never seen the spring dry up). So I went for a look round the little info centre, which now has a bar and lots of information about various tourist places and things, and was being run by a nice friendly couple, and it even has information leaflets about the spring in English these days. This explains the best understanding of the springs working, and states that it does not start cycling until after a long dry spell in the summer (I had always been in spring or early summer before).
As I left the centre, and had another look at the spring, it seemed to be slowing down. After another 5 minutes, the flow had lowered enough that a chap could walk across the steps and into the cave. Ten minutes later, it had slowed right down to a trickle, allowing people to walk across the stepping stones into the cave. It was not easy to see where the water comes from, it must be somewhere under the floor of the pond.
As would be expected of such a strange place, it has been revered since time immemorial, and of course there are many legends and stories associated with it. Excellent, I have at last seen this thing at work !
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205 |
78 |
| Grand Menhir de Counozouls |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Aude (11) |
Visited |
12th Sep 2005 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
After a seemingly very long drive south from Quillan, along roads hacked into cliff faces, passing through numerous massive gorges which at times I never thought the campervan would fit through, I arrived at the village of Ste Colombe-sur-Guette. A few more miles south along the road in the valley, then climbing steeply up the side of the gorge, all the time bearing in mind theres a 3 metre height limit signposted, but which thankfully turns out ...After a seemingly very long drive south from Quillan, along roads hacked into cliff faces, passing through numerous massive gorges which at times I never thought the campervan would fit through, I arrived at the village of Ste Colombe-sur-Guette. A few more miles south along the road in the valley, then climbing steeply up the side of the gorge, all the time bearing in mind theres a 3 metre height limit signposted, but which thankfully turns out to be only at one side of the road. Turn left and cross the bridge towards Cournozouls, and go a further 1.7 kilometres, until you come to a double right hand bend.
There is room to park here on the outside of the curve, and just here can be found this massive menhir, standing below the road on the steep hillside, with a little path leading down to it, and thankfully the trees around it now cleared. The stone now stands proudly in the open, with a lovely view of the village across the valley. The stone stands over 8 metres in height, making it the biggest in southern France, and one of the tallest in the entire country. It is a large granite lump, and initially looks a bit like it might be a natural lump fallen down the mountain. However it certainly looks to have been shaped, and wedged into its upright position, and I am assured it is a proper menhir.
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205 |
84 |
| Tautavel Musee de Prehistoire |
Museum |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Pyrénées-Orientales (66) |
Visited |
12th Sep 2005 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
I only came here to get a photo, assuming the museum would be closed on a Monday, but it was open, so thought I'd better go in. The museum contains hundreds of thousands of items found at the nearby Caune de l'Arago cave, where the remains of a human skull was found in July 1971, the skull being known as Arago item 21. Since then many others have been found, along with items of their food, tools etc etc. The finds have been dated to about 450,000...I only came here to get a photo, assuming the museum would be closed on a Monday, but it was open, so thought I'd better go in. The museum contains hundreds of thousands of items found at the nearby Caune de l'Arago cave, where the remains of a human skull was found in July 1971, the skull being known as Arago item 21. Since then many others have been found, along with items of their food, tools etc etc. The finds have been dated to about 450,000 BC, and thus are amongst the earliest remains of humans found in Europe.
Tautavel man lead a life of hunting, and this is all displayed here also, with remains of many animals and suchlike which would have been around at that time. Tautavel man, however, is not an ancester of ours, as he lead up to Neanderthal man, which died out 30,000 years ago, to be replaced by Cro Magnon man.
While this should all have been very interesting, I have to admit to finding many of the displays quite dull and repetitive, and the awful American voice talking down to me in the audio guide was enough to put me right off. The whole museum seemed a bit 1970's and showing signs of age. The displays mostly consisted of bones and tools in glass cases, video presentations of certain things, and staged scenes using mannequins, with lots of keep off and don't touch signs. In my recent travels, I have seen many much better presented museums which bring the subject to life.
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205 |
85 |
| La Caune de l'Arago |
Cave or Rock Shelter |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Pyrénées-Orientales (66) |
Saw from a distance |
12th Sep 2005 |
|
|
|
In a very pretty part of the world up on a cliff face above the vinyards, this is the cave where Tautavel man was found. Its a kilometer or so south of the town, up on a rugged hill near where the river cuts a gorge through the hills. This is of course all shut off to the public with buildings and shelters around it, as the excavations and research continue, 35 years after the finding of the ancient skull. |
205 |
86 |
| Puijols tumulus |
Artificial Mound |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Pyrénées-Orientales (66) |
Saw from a distance |
12th Sep 2005 |
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|
|
Just to the northwest of the village of Tautavel, on the opposite side of the river, is a massive tumulus, which must be about 100 metres in diameter and 20 metres high, complete with terracing and grapes growing on it ! |
205 |
87 |
| Bélesta Museum of prehistory |
Museum |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Pyrénées-Orientales (66) |
Saw from a distance |
12th Sep 2005 |
|
|
|
Blimey, the roads round here are twisty and tight. There was no way I was able to park the van anywhere near the village for a look at this. So I had to give up totally on any thoughts of a visit to this supposedly excellent museum. |
205 |
88 |
| Moli del Vent |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Pyrénées-Orientales (66) |
Visited |
12th Sep 2005 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
At the top of the hill to the north west of the village of Bélesta can be found the superb but restored remains of this lovely little dolmen-a-couloir. The little chamber is about 2 metres by 1 metre, and the south side is approached by a corridor 5 metres long from the edge of the cairn, made with a few upright slabs and drystone walling. The chamber has an upright slab at each side, and two back slabs, topped by a gorgeously shaped capstone abo...At the top of the hill to the north west of the village of Bélesta can be found the superb but restored remains of this lovely little dolmen-a-couloir. The little chamber is about 2 metres by 1 metre, and the south side is approached by a corridor 5 metres long from the edge of the cairn, made with a few upright slabs and drystone walling. The chamber has an upright slab at each side, and two back slabs, topped by a gorgeously shaped capstone about 3m by 2m. The whole thing is contained within a round cairn, about 9 metres in diameter and 0.5 metres high.
The views from up here are superb, the Fenouillades valley to the north, and the Canigou brooding in amongst the clouds to the south west today. The dolmen is less than a kilometre walk up a good track from a junction of minor roads with plenty of space for parking, and is well worth the effort. It is possible that there are remains of other monuments round the area.
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205 |
89 |
| Peyro Dreta |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Pyrénées-Orientales (66) |
Visited |
12th Sep 2005 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
This fallen and broken menhir, once more than 4 metres tall, has beautiful views over the Fenouillades valley to the north, with Queribus castle and Tautavel clearly visible. The menhir can be found about a kilometres walk down a dirt track amongst the vines, about 0.7 kilometres to the west of the Col de Bataille. The start of the track is easy to find, as it is marked with a large menhir like stone at the junction beside the vineyards. Perhaps ...This fallen and broken menhir, once more than 4 metres tall, has beautiful views over the Fenouillades valley to the north, with Queribus castle and Tautavel clearly visible. The menhir can be found about a kilometres walk down a dirt track amongst the vines, about 0.7 kilometres to the west of the Col de Bataille. The start of the track is easy to find, as it is marked with a large menhir like stone at the junction beside the vineyards. Perhaps this stone itself was once a proper menhir, which has now been re-erected.
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205 |
90 |
| Dolmen de la Creu de Falibe |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Pyrénées-Orientales (66) |
Visited |
13th Sep 2005 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
This lovely restored dolmen can be found in the hills to the south of the village of Saint-Michel-de-Llotes. Travelling south, turn left at the village beside the Catalane museum, over the bridge. Follow this road for several kilometres, twisting and turning up into the mountains, to the Col de la Croix de la Falibe. Its further than you would think, and you even start going downhill again before you get there, but once there its obvious, and has...This lovely restored dolmen can be found in the hills to the south of the village of Saint-Michel-de-Llotes. Travelling south, turn left at the village beside the Catalane museum, over the bridge. Follow this road for several kilometres, twisting and turning up into the mountains, to the Col de la Croix de la Falibe. Its further than you would think, and you even start going downhill again before you get there, but once there its obvious, and has a sign to the dolmen along the large track to the left, with plenty of room to park. If you're feeling adventurous, it would be possible to drive along this stoney track, as I was walking along it a car did in fact pass me.
Go about a kilometre along the track, and at the top of the ridge you will fond the dolmen, contained within its circular cairn. The chamber is rectangular, 2.5 m by 1.5 , surrounded on all four sides by upright slabs. The capstone is supported on the two long sides by the side slabs, while at the ends the slabs do not reach the top. The chamber is paved, and has a single capstone on top, which is only 2.5 metres by 1.5 metres, just big enough to cover the chamber. The capstone is heavily carved, and has many cupules, lines and crosses engraved into the top. The crosses are made by joining between 4 small cupules. Some of the cupules are quite large, up to 10 cm in diameter, and these larger cupules are linked together with larger engraved lines, making a sort of fish shape around the capstone. The whole top of the capstone is carved, and is most intriguing. The dolmen itself is contained within the remains of a stone cairn, about 10 metres in diameter, and with large stone edging all the way round.
This is a lovely place to visit, well worth the time, and the views nearby, although not from the dolmen itself, are splendid.
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205 |
91 |
| Dolmen de Serrat d'en Jacques |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Pyrénées-Orientales (66) |
Visited |
13th Sep 2005 |
4 |
5 |
3 |
A couple of hundred metres from the Creu de la Llosa dolmen, following the footpath uphill through the scrub to the east, up towards Serrat d'en Jacques, and you can find another dolmen, similar in size to the Creu de la Llosa dolmen, but this time with an entry passage through its cairn. I do not know the name of this dolmen, and I assume it has also been fairly recently restored.
The cairn is about 10 metres in diameter and surrounded by la...A couple of hundred metres from the Creu de la Llosa dolmen, following the footpath uphill through the scrub to the east, up towards Serrat d'en Jacques, and you can find another dolmen, similar in size to the Creu de la Llosa dolmen, but this time with an entry passage through its cairn. I do not know the name of this dolmen, and I assume it has also been fairly recently restored.
The cairn is about 10 metres in diameter and surrounded by large slabs, with a height of about 0.5 metres. The dolmen, approximately central, has a chamber 3 metres long, and varying in width from about 1.8 m at the front to 1 m at the back. Again, the floor is paved, and there is a part height stone across the front. There are three side slabs each side, and a full height backstone. There were either several capstones, only one of which is now in position, or else a single large one has been broken. On top of the remains of the capstone are one or two cupules, but nothing much else in the way of engravings. To the southeast is an entrance chamber, facing 118°, paved and about 2.5 metres in length to the edge of the mound, making up to the full width of the chamber.
The views from this dolmen really are superb, but unfortunately slightly obscured by the highly scented scrubland. The Canigou is clearly visible to the southwest, but still enveloped in its clouds today. Excellent.
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205 |
92 |
| Dolmen d'A Fourna |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Pyrénées-Orientales (66) |
Visited |
13th Sep 2005 |
4 |
5 |
3 |
About four hundred metres from the Creu de la Llosa dolmen, following the footpath through the scrub to the southwest (note, go back down the track for about 25 metres from the dolmen to find the path - it is not the "obvious" path leading away from the dolmen), around the southern side of the ridge, and you will find another dolmen of similar type.
This dolmen, which again I assume restored, is slightly smaller, in a round cairn about 8 metr...About four hundred metres from the Creu de la Llosa dolmen, following the footpath through the scrub to the southwest (note, go back down the track for about 25 metres from the dolmen to find the path - it is not the "obvious" path leading away from the dolmen), around the southern side of the ridge, and you will find another dolmen of similar type.
This dolmen, which again I assume restored, is slightly smaller, in a round cairn about 8 metres in diameter. The dolmen chamber is about 2 metres long by 1 metre wide, and covered with two small capstones, sitting on blocky side supports, only to about 1.2 metres in height. It has an entrance passageway, wider than the chamber, which is 4 metres long and opens up on an alignment of 120°, directly pointing towards a large and significant mountain peak. The capstones are both engraved, the front, larger one having multiple cupules with the faintest of some lines and cupules, while the smaller backstone has an extremely clear cross, with maybe some other, more fainter markings.
What a lovely place it is up here, pity the sky is cloudy and the views unclear. It also makes me wonder just how many more of these dolmens there are to be discovered in the forests up on these mountains.
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205 |
93 |
| Dolmen de la Rouyre |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Pyrénées-Orientales (66) |
Visited |
13th Sep 2005 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
High up on this mountain ridge between the villages of Fesluns and Ansignan in Pyrénées-Orientales can be found the remains of this cute little dolmen. I followed signs from Ansignan, but walked because I was not going to get the camper van up the steep, tiny, windy little roads, but a small car would get fairly close. I had no idea how far it was going to be to the dolmen, and perhaps wouldn't have started out had I known in advance. It turned o...High up on this mountain ridge between the villages of Fesluns and Ansignan in Pyrénées-Orientales can be found the remains of this cute little dolmen. I followed signs from Ansignan, but walked because I was not going to get the camper van up the steep, tiny, windy little roads, but a small car would get fairly close. I had no idea how far it was going to be to the dolmen, and perhaps wouldn't have started out had I known in advance. It turned out to be almost an hour brisk uphill walk before I made it to the dolmen.
It's a tiny little thing, just 2 metres in length by 1 metre wide, and a metre high. Two small capstones rest on 3 and 2 side supports, with a back stone and a half height stone at the front. There is evidence of a stone cairn, with encircling larger stones, about 8 metres in diameter. The chamber opens to the southwest at 240°, but perhaps this is the back. Maybe some of the chamber has disappeared, and it is possible that there was an entry corridor towards the southeast, but it is very hard to tell.
Was it worth the couple of hours of steep uphill walk for the visit? yes and no. The views were lovely once up here, and there were some beautiful butterflies to be seen in amongst the vines near the top of the ridge. Apart from driving to a closer position in a small car, it is possible that you could approach this dolmen from the west, which may also make it much easier to find.
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205 |
94 |
| Aqueduc d’Ansignan |
Ancient Mine, Quarry or other Industry |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Pyrénées-Orientales (66) |
Visited |
13th Sep 2005 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
Ancient bridge and aqueduct spanning the river at the village of Ansignan, still used to irrigate crops on the opposite bank. It is built on the basis of a Roman bridge, probably from the 3rd century.
To cross the bridge, with the aqueduct built on top, you walk within an enclosed passage with a few holes for light, and it seems rather like walking along a passage within the walls of a castle. |
205 |
95 |
| Oppidum de Pech de Maho |
Ancient Village or Settlement |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Aude (11) |
Saw from a distance |
14th Sep 2005 |
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|
|
A large hill, but I got distracted while trying to have a proper look, as there was a large accident being cleared up, and I couldn’t turn down the small road to have a close look. |
205 |
96 |
| Dolmen de la Madeleine d’Albesse |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Aude (11) |
Visited |
14th Sep 2005 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
Walk just more than a kilometer southwest along the track along the top of the ridge from the bends in the D.3 road to the north of Monze. The dolmen can then be found in a bank to the left of the trackway, on top of the ridge.
I couldn’t be sure whether the dolmen was made on a natural ridge, or whether there is a large mound built around it, its probably a bit of both. The chamber itself is quite large, but a bit of a wreck these days. It l...Walk just more than a kilometer southwest along the track along the top of the ridge from the bends in the D.3 road to the north of Monze. The dolmen can then be found in a bank to the left of the trackway, on top of the ridge.
I couldn’t be sure whether the dolmen was made on a natural ridge, or whether there is a large mound built around it, its probably a bit of both. The chamber itself is quite large, but a bit of a wreck these days. It looks to be a sort of V shaped chamber 6 metres in length and up to 3 metres wide and is open to the east at about 118°, which looks right along the valley below the ridge. Its quite a high chamber too, and there would be plenty of room to stand up within it. Unfortunately, although the sides are well defined, there is only one capstone, and this is dislodged to one side, near to the back of the chamber. A few metres to the east of the main chamber is a slab lined pit in the mound, about a metre square and the same deep. Whether this was another part of the original tomb or not, I cannot tell.
I have to say it was a pleasant walk along the ridge despite the intense heat, through lovely smelling pine and juniper scrub, with very pleasant views of rocky hills and vine rich valleys below. There is also lots of exotic insect life up here too, I disturbed a praying mantis at one point, which flew off in a flash of green. Just to the northwest of the dolmen and mound, it looks like there may well be another artificial mound, but this one is very overgrown and impossible to get onto to have a closer look.
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205 |
97 |
| Malves Menhir |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Aude (11) |
Visited |
14th Sep 2005 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
This large menhir is to be found a few hundred metres outside the village of Malves-en-Minervois, taking the D.38 road westwards towards Villalier, and just across the river. There is a little parking area, and a signposted walk for about 100 metres to the stone. Just how could I have missed this when I came to look 5 years ago ?
The stone stands proudly on a higher bit of ground above a vineyard, with steps up to the field it is in. It is ov...This large menhir is to be found a few hundred metres outside the village of Malves-en-Minervois, taking the D.38 road westwards towards Villalier, and just across the river. There is a little parking area, and a signposted walk for about 100 metres to the stone. Just how could I have missed this when I came to look 5 years ago ?
The stone stands proudly on a higher bit of ground above a vineyard, with steps up to the field it is in. It is over 5 metres high (with apparently 4 metres more under the ground), 1.5 metres in width but less than half a metre thick. It was restored in the 1960s and looks to have been mended from three broken pieces, although its possible that the cement like substance is perhaps just filling cracks.
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205 |
98 |
| Roque Traoucado |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Aude (11) |
Visited |
14th Sep 2005 |
2 |
4 |
4 |
From the wine village of Villeneuve-Minervois, follow the little windy road northwards for about 4 kilometres into the hills towards Pujol-du-Bosc. This road up into the mountains is now a properly made up road, rather than the dirt track it was 6 years ago. Eventually you will find a parking area and a dolmen sign. Two little signposted walks are arranged, with all sorts of items of interest to see along the way, such as limestone ovens, shepher...From the wine village of Villeneuve-Minervois, follow the little windy road northwards for about 4 kilometres into the hills towards Pujol-du-Bosc. This road up into the mountains is now a properly made up road, rather than the dirt track it was 6 years ago. Eventually you will find a parking area and a dolmen sign. Two little signposted walks are arranged, with all sorts of items of interest to see along the way, such as limestone ovens, shepherds huts, and many signs pointing out the various types of vegetation.
From the parking area take the short path to the left of the road, and you soon come to the remains of this dolmen, excavated in 1972. What you find is the remains of a round stone cairn, diameter about 18 metres and encircled by several large upright stones, with the remains of a chamber in the middle. The chamber is 4 metres in length, by 1 metre wide, and slab lined, but there are no capstones. There is an entry corridor, strangely oriented towards the southwest. Amongst items found here during the excavations were copper and bronze bracelets. Dating showed that the tomb was in use for a long time during the third millennium BC.
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205 |
99 |
| Dolmen de la Jagartière |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Aude (11) |
Visited |
14th Sep 2005 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
From the wine village of Villeneuve-Minervois, follow the little windy road northwards for about 4 kilometres into the hills towards Pujol-du-Bosc. This road up into the mountains is now a properly made up road, rather than the dirt track it was 6 years ago. Eventually you will find a parking area and a dolmen sign. Two little signposted walks are arranged, with all sorts of items of interest to see along the way, such as limestone ovens, shepher...From the wine village of Villeneuve-Minervois, follow the little windy road northwards for about 4 kilometres into the hills towards Pujol-du-Bosc. This road up into the mountains is now a properly made up road, rather than the dirt track it was 6 years ago. Eventually you will find a parking area and a dolmen sign. Two little signposted walks are arranged, with all sorts of items of interest to see along the way, such as limestone ovens, shepherds huts, and many signs pointing out the various types of vegetation.
From the parking area, take the path to the right from the car park, and after a few hundred metres you will find this splendidly restored dolmen, sitting with wondrous views over the Minervois countryside and the Aude valley to the south. As I sit and write this, theres lots of shouting and horns blowing, is there a hunt on, or is it just shepherds moving their flocks ? The slab sided chamber, 3 metres by 2 metres, is covered with a single large capstone, and has an entry looking over the valley to the southeast at 160°. There is a small cairn surrounding the chamber, of which the excavations showed it to be of diameter only 8.5 metres, with an encircling circle of stones.
It really is superb up here! There's Canigou in the distance to the southeast, and the Meditterranean sea can be seen shimmering on the horizon.
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205 |
100 |
| Tombeau de Roland |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Aude (11) |
Visited |
14th Sep 2005 |
2 |
4 |
4 |
Just up the hillside a bit from Dolmen de La Jagartière can be found the Tombeau de Roland. Once thought to be a megalithic tomb, the latest thoughts are that it is nothing more than a place from where a large rock has been quarried. But quite why somebody would come to such a place, far away from any buildings up a hillside, which has several other tombs nearby, I do not know. Surely a source of rock more convenient could have been found. |
205 |
101 |
| Menhir dit la Pierre Droite (Villeneuve-Minervois) |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Aude (11) |
Couldn't find |
14th Sep 2005 |
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I failed to find this stone on the way down the hill. It is supposedly about 1.5 kilometres from the village of Villeneuve-Minervois, at the side of the road. |
205 |
102 |
| Allée Couverte de Saint-Eugène |
Passage Grave |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Aude (11) |
Visited |
14th Sep 2005 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
I have now twice found this only by luck. This time I took a wrong turning (one road too soon) and ended up on a stone track across private land where I could not turn round to go back out, and then I saw a little sign to dolmen, up the hillside I remember. I managed to park the van in a wider part of the track about 500 metres away, and went back on foot to look for the site. Quite how one is meant to get here properly, I do not know !
Up on...I have now twice found this only by luck. This time I took a wrong turning (one road too soon) and ended up on a stone track across private land where I could not turn round to go back out, and then I saw a little sign to dolmen, up the hillside I remember. I managed to park the van in a wider part of the track about 500 metres away, and went back on foot to look for the site. Quite how one is meant to get here properly, I do not know !
Up on top of a pine covered hill is an open flattish area, upon which is built this lovely tomb. It has all been much restored, so quite how much is original I do not know. The first thing you see is a circular stone wall containing a stone cairn, about a metre high and about 25 metres in diameter, with upright slabs every 5 metres or so around its circumference. Within this is the remains of a massive structure, and a partitioned chamber. The main chamber is 15 metres long, lined with large slabs, and opens to the southeast at 155°. At the back end it is 4 metres wide, and 5.5 m from the end is the remnants of a stone partition within which the remains of portal entranceway can be seen. The next section is 6 metres long, tapering to 2.5 metres wide, up to the remains of another partition with entranceway. This leaves just 3 metres of tapering corridor to the entrance in the circular wall, just 1 metre in width. Unfortunately there are no cover stones, and the entrance portals are very damaged, to the extent of being almost non existant. In the stone mound there can be seen the remains of two further intermediate circling walls, the first a U shape around the chamber, and the second a concentric circle within the outside wall.
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205 |
103 |
| Morrel das Fadas |
Passage Grave |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Aude (11) |
Visited |
14th Sep 2005 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
Although within the commune of Pépieux, this tremendous dolmen is actually nearer and easier to find from the village of Siran, from where you take the D.12 road east for a kilometre or so, and the mound is on the right, on top of a large natural pine covered hill amongst the vines. It is all rather obvious, and has a little parking area and signpost.
By far the biggest dolmen structure in the south of France, I cannot say how much of the hil...Although within the commune of Pépieux, this tremendous dolmen is actually nearer and easier to find from the village of Siran, from where you take the D.12 road east for a kilometre or so, and the mound is on the right, on top of a large natural pine covered hill amongst the vines. It is all rather obvious, and has a little parking area and signpost.
By far the biggest dolmen structure in the south of France, I cannot say how much of the hillock it is built on is natural, and how much is its tumulus, but nevertheless, it is a big structure. The chamber itself is 24 metres in length and up to 4 metres wide, aligned towards the southeast at 145°. This chamber is divided into three sections by lovely partitioned portal stones. The back section is rectangular, 4.5 metres long and 4 metres wide. The marvellous central section is 6.5 metres long, with massive side slab walls 2,5 metres high, which carry the single remaining large capstone (about 5m by 3.5m) well above head height.
Unfortunately the portal stones each side of this central chamber are broken, but enough remains to get a good feel for what was once here, as one of the stones of the southeastern portal is almost complete. The 13 metres of entranceway is made with alternating slabs and dry stone walling, and narrows down to about 2 metres wide at the entrance. This really is a fantastic place to visit, but difficult to photograph because of its size and all the surrounding trees.
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205 |
104 |
| Morrel das Fadas replica |
Modern Stone Circle etc |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Aude (11) |
Visited |
15th Sep 2005 |
4 |
3 |
5 |
A small representation of the dolmen des Fades has been built near the roundabout outside the campsite at Pepieux. Excellent. |
205 |
105 |
| Morrel das Fadas |
Passage Grave |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Aude (11) |
Visited |
15th Sep 2005 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
Visited again to get some pictures in the bright morning sun, although the sun doesn’t make it through the trees. |
205 |
106 |
| Dolmen de Lauriol 1 |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
15th Sep 2005 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
From Siran, follow the signs to the Curiosité de L'Auriol, which takes you on a windy road north up onto the hills. The Curiosité is a weird bit of road where things seem to roll uphill - a trick of the eye over gravity. From here take the road left for half a kilometre to a big house (being done up in 2005) in amongst pine trees, and go beyond this to a track down to the left. Follow this track, and turn right at the junction with the trackway f...From Siran, follow the signs to the Curiosité de L'Auriol, which takes you on a windy road north up onto the hills. The Curiosité is a weird bit of road where things seem to roll uphill - a trick of the eye over gravity. From here take the road left for half a kilometre to a big house (being done up in 2005) in amongst pine trees, and go beyond this to a track down to the left. Follow this track, and turn right at the junction with the trackway from the big house, then after a couple of hundred metres, the Grand dolmen de Lauriol is obvious at the left of the path.
Its a bit of a wreck, and becoming overgrown, but the 4m by 2m chamber, still within a mound of stones, is worth a look. The large capstone is now broken and fallen off to the side. This seems a good candidate for a bit of restoration. There are beautiful views from up here on the southern edge of the Montagne Noire.
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205 |
107 |
| Dolmen de Lauriol 2 |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Couldn't find |
15th Sep 2005 |
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Nearby to the Grand dolmen de Lauriol are supposedly two more, smaller and more degraded dolmens. I had a good look around, but much of the land round here has been recently fenced off and I could find nothing obvious amongst the prickly scrub and undergrowth. |
205 |
108 |
| Dolmen de Lauriol 3 |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Couldn't find |
15th Sep 2005 |
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Nearby to the Grand dolmen de Lauriol are supposedly two more, smaller and more degraded dolmens. I had a good look around, but much of the land round here has been recently fenced off and I could find nothing obvious amongst the prickly scrub and undergrowth. |
205 |
109 |
| Mousse Dolmen 1 |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Couldn't find |
15th Sep 2005 |
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Taking the track further beyond the Grand dolmen de Lauriol, and after eight or nine hundred metres the first dolmen de Mousse is supposedly to be found, just to the left of the track. However, much of the land round here has been recently fenced off and I could find nothing obvious amongst the prickly scrub and undergrowth. Two hundred metres further, to the right and 40 metres from the track is a second then third dolmen. I had no chance of fin...Taking the track further beyond the Grand dolmen de Lauriol, and after eight or nine hundred metres the first dolmen de Mousse is supposedly to be found, just to the left of the track. However, much of the land round here has been recently fenced off and I could find nothing obvious amongst the prickly scrub and undergrowth. Two hundred metres further, to the right and 40 metres from the track is a second then third dolmen. I had no chance of finding these, although I did find the dry limestone chasm known as the Combe des Mortes, named as such because of the numbers of dolmens here ! Almost anything in this broken limestone landscape could have been a dolmen at some time in the past, but it is extremely difficult to find a way about here other than the trackway because of the vicious scrub growing over everything. After an hour or so vain searching about I decided I could spend no more time here finding nothing, and decided to return to the van and move on.
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205 |
110 |
| Dolmen des Lacs 1 |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
15th Sep 2005 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
From the intriguing and lovely little historic village of Minerve, take the D.147 road to the northwest, passing over the bridge and past the big car parks. The dolmens are signposted from here. The road zig-zags up the hillside for a kilometre or two and then levels out a bit. Continue for three or four kilometres, past the water reservoir, and eventually you will find a dirt track on the left, with a large stone with the word dolmens painted on...From the intriguing and lovely little historic village of Minerve, take the D.147 road to the northwest, passing over the bridge and past the big car parks. The dolmens are signposted from here. The road zig-zags up the hillside for a kilometre or two and then levels out a bit. Continue for three or four kilometres, past the water reservoir, and eventually you will find a dirt track on the left, with a large stone with the word dolmens painted on it. Park somewhere, then follow this track on foot for a couple of hundred metres. About 100 metres before the track splits, to find this dolmen go into the scrubland to the right for about 60 metres, where the remains of the dolmen can be found, quite well hidden behind some little oak trees.
What remains is a fairly large round mound of stones, about 20 metres in diameter, with some evidence of an encircling peristalith of radial facing stones. The chamber in the middle is about 4 metres long by 2 metres wide, facing southeast at 155°, and has most of the side and back slabs still in place, but broken. The capstone is still here, but pushed off to the side, and the largest western side slab possibly had a nice hole in it. Unfortunately, this dolmen is all crumbling away and getting a bit overgrown.
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205 |
111 |
| Dolmen des Lacs 2 |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
15th Sep 2005 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
From the intriguing and lovely little historic village of Minerve, take the D.147 road to the northwest, passing over the bridge and past the big car parks. The dolmens are signposted from here. The road zig-zags up the hillside for a kilometre or two and then levels out a bit. Continue for three or four kilometres, past the water reservoir, and eventually you will find a dirt track on the left, with a large stone with the word dolmens painted on...From the intriguing and lovely little historic village of Minerve, take the D.147 road to the northwest, passing over the bridge and past the big car parks. The dolmens are signposted from here. The road zig-zags up the hillside for a kilometre or two and then levels out a bit. Continue for three or four kilometres, past the water reservoir, and eventually you will find a dirt track on the left, with a large stone with the word dolmens painted on it. Park somewhere, then follow this track on foot for a couple of hundred metres.
The track then splits, take the right track upwards for about three hundred more hundred metres, where to the left of the path the remains of this dolmen are visible. It sits in a mound of loose stone, about 18 metres in diameter, with some raised larger stones, set radially to the chamber, forming a partial circle around it near to the edge. The dolmen is in the centre, with a single capstone sat on top of a large back stone, and several side stones. The chamber is high enough to stand in, and about 4 m long by 2 m wide. Beyond this is an entry passageway, making a total length of about 7 metres, lined with slabs at its sides, and opening to the southeast on 165°.
The views from up here, over the plain of the Aude river are spectacular. I would imagine that on a clear day, the Mediterranean sea and the sacred mountain of Canigou are clearly visible.
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205 |
112 |
| Dolmen des Lacs 3 |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
15th Sep 2005 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
From the intriguing and lovely little historic village of Minerve, take the D.147 road to the northwest, passing over the bridge and past the big car parks. The dolmens are signposted from here. The road zig-zags up the hillside for a kilometre or two and then levels out a bit. Continue for three or four kilometres, past the water reservoir, and eventually you will find a dirt track on the left, with a large stone with the word dolmens painted on...From the intriguing and lovely little historic village of Minerve, take the D.147 road to the northwest, passing over the bridge and past the big car parks. The dolmens are signposted from here. The road zig-zags up the hillside for a kilometre or two and then levels out a bit. Continue for three or four kilometres, past the water reservoir, and eventually you will find a dirt track on the left, with a large stone with the word dolmens painted on it. Park somewhere, then follow this track on foot for a couple of hundred metres. The track then splits, take the right track upwards for a about four hundred metres, passing dolmen 2 on the left, and about a hundred metres further, after crossing a little ravine, you will find dolmen number 3.
It is smaller than dolmen 2, with a single capstone sat on top of two side slabs and a backstone, forming a chamber 2 metres long by 1,5 metres in width, again open to the southeast at 145°. The dolmen sits within a round mass of stones, but has no discernible entry passageway or encircling ring of stones. Dolmens 2 and 3 can be seen from each other. There are possibly the remains of several more wrecked dolmens within this area.
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205 |
113 |
| Statue menhir de Picarel |
Sculptured Stone |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
15th Sep 2005 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
Going north along the D.169 road from the Col de la Bane to the south of Fraisse-sur-Agout, and at a large corner in the road is a little lane to the west signed to Haut Picarel. About 300 metres down this track, and into a wood, you will find the menhir beside the trackway.
This finely shaped menhir stands over 2 metres tall, and looks out down the valley to the southwest. The only obvious markings and carvings on the stone are relatively mo...Going north along the D.169 road from the Col de la Bane to the south of Fraisse-sur-Agout, and at a large corner in the road is a little lane to the west signed to Haut Picarel. About 300 metres down this track, and into a wood, you will find the menhir beside the trackway.
This finely shaped menhir stands over 2 metres tall, and looks out down the valley to the southwest. The only obvious markings and carvings on the stone are relatively modern, a deep cut halfway up, and some circles in the upper part. The original statue-menhir carvings have become so faint as to be almost invisible these days, although 180 years ago, when this chap was first discovered, they were clear enough. With a lot of will power, I was able to make out its belt around the back, but nothing else, although the stone itself is very obviously shaped into the right form. It was very difficult to photograph, with the strong sunlight coming thought the trees creating dappled shadows on the stone.
Where I was parked up here, there was a lady sat in a field reading, with several dogs, in amongst a large flock of sheep and goats. I assume she was the shepherdess, as the dogs were not at all concerned, nor were the sheep.
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205 |
114 |
| Statue menhir de La Pomarède |
Sculptured Stone |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
15th Sep 2005 |
2 |
3 |
5 |
Right outside the tourist office at Fraisse-sur-Agout, next to a wall behind a big tree display thing, is the top 90 cm of this statue menhir which must have once been 2 metres tall. It is very difficult to make out any markings, with it being in dark shadow and very moss covered. I am starting to think that museums are the best places for viewing these statue-menhirs. |
205 |
115 |
| Statue menhir des Fontanelles |
Sculptured Stone |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Couldn't find |
15th Sep 2005 |
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This statue-menhir is supposed to be found in the garden of the mill beside the river in the delightful village of Fraisse-sur-Agout. I take a walk all along the river, and there are two possibilities for the mill, but I could find nothing resembling a statue-menhir. There is a lovely little park by the river, with water machines and explanatory notices, lovely gardens, and a camping car spot nearby. Lovely. |
205 |
116 |
| Statue menhir de Cambayssy |
Sculptured Stone |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
15th Sep 2005 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Traveling along the D.14 road west from Fraisse-sur-Agout towards Le Salvetat, take the right turn after a couple of kilometres towards Cambayssy. The menhir is signposted (Le Pioch), and is a kilometre or so up a steep winding lane.
In some woods, this gorgeous statue-menhir can be found beside the lane, and is about 1.3 metres tall, and beautifully shaped. And at last, I have found a statue-menhir where some of his features can be clearly s...Traveling along the D.14 road west from Fraisse-sur-Agout towards Le Salvetat, take the right turn after a couple of kilometres towards Cambayssy. The menhir is signposted (Le Pioch), and is a kilometre or so up a steep winding lane.
In some woods, this gorgeous statue-menhir can be found beside the lane, and is about 1.3 metres tall, and beautifully shaped. And at last, I have found a statue-menhir where some of his features can be clearly seen. Belt, legs, shoulder strap "objet" and knife, and his arms coming down diagonally from his shoulders. There are maybe a couple of eyes, but I cant see much of a head though.
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205 |
117 |
| Col-de-la-Bole menhir |
Sculptured Stone |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
15th Sep 2005 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Driving west along the D.14 road towards Le Salvetat, in a rush to get diesel and washing done, I saw a sign to menhir Col-de-la-Bole, so of course I just had to go and have a look. At the top of a steep track is the broken off top of a statue-menhir, only about 0.75 metres of it, with its back having had a bishops cross carved into it. I saw no carvings on the front, although supposedly there are some, but I was in a bit of a rush. |
205 |
118 |
| Barraque-des-Fourniols statue-menhir |
Sculptured Stone |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn (81) |
Visited |
16th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
This statue-menhir is now to be found at the entrance to the car park at the Rieu-Montagné Musée des Traditions, beside the Lac du Lauzas, near to Nages. It is about 1.4 metres high, and it is well shaped, but any engravings are extremely faint, to the point of being invisible to me. |
205 |
119 |
| Trédos menhir |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn (81) |
Visited |
16th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
About 30 metres from the Barraque-des-Fourniols statue-menhir, up the entry path towards the museum, is planted this menhir. Obviously broken in the past, it has been put back together from several pieces with the aid of concrete. It has been quite nicely done. It is about 1.6 metres high. |
205 |
120 |
| Griffoulou menhir |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn (81) |
Couldn't find |
16th Sep 2005 |
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I had a couple of goes to try and find this menhir, which is marked as somewhere near to the car park, in the gardens by the restaurant, but I couldn’t find it either time. |
205 |
121 |
| Rieu-Montagné museum |
Museum |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn (81) |
Visited |
16th Sep 2005 |
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5 |
This museum is in a glorious little spot in the woods beside the Lac du Lauzas, to the south of Nages. It is linked with a leisure centre with a park and beach, and all sorts of activities to do. As part of the museum, there are several statue menhirs included, some in the grounds outside the building. |
205 |
122 |
| Granisse statue-menhir |
Sculptured Stone |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn (81) |
Visited |
16th Sep 2005 |
5 |
3 |
5 |
Found while building a road in 1969, this lovely statue-menhir has been saved and erected outside the tourist office in the town of Lacaune. Unfortunately, it is kept within a north facing glass case, so getting photographs is nigh on impossible in the strong sunlight, with reflections of everything obscuring things. It is about 1.4 metres tall, and the main features of a female statue-menhir can clearly be seen. She has legs, belt, arms, breasts...Found while building a road in 1969, this lovely statue-menhir has been saved and erected outside the tourist office in the town of Lacaune. Unfortunately, it is kept within a north facing glass case, so getting photographs is nigh on impossible in the strong sunlight, with reflections of everything obscuring things. It is about 1.4 metres tall, and the main features of a female statue-menhir can clearly be seen. She has legs, belt, arms, breasts, collar and face. Lovely.
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205 |
123 |
| Trou-de-l'Avent menhir |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn (81) |
Visited |
16th Sep 2005 |
2 |
3 |
5 |
Once standing about 4 metres tall near to the Pierre Plantée de Lacaune, this menhir was broken up for use in building a mill and farm. The top 1.5 metres has now been rescued and installed in the Place de Griffoul in Lacaune town centre, just 100 metres behind the tourist office.
What a menhir this once would have been. In this pleasant little square are several other notable features, such as the 14th century laundry basins, and the 16th ce...Once standing about 4 metres tall near to the Pierre Plantée de Lacaune, this menhir was broken up for use in building a mill and farm. The top 1.5 metres has now been rescued and installed in the Place de Griffoul in Lacaune town centre, just 100 metres behind the tourist office.
What a menhir this once would have been. In this pleasant little square are several other notable features, such as the 14th century laundry basins, and the 16th century Fontaine des Pisseurs, which was made to glorify the Dieuretic effect of the local waters !
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205 |
124 |
| Pierre Plantée de Lacaune |
Sculptured Stone |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn (81) |
Visited |
16th Sep 2005 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
A couple of kilometres to the east of Lacaune, along the D.622 road to Moulin-Mage, park just over the Col de la Croix-de-Deux-Sous, just after the big warehouse. Its then a short walk to this masculine statue-menhir, the largest in Europe, standing in a nice green field looking out towards the mountains.
This would be a beautiful stone even without the engravings, a lovely sparkly granite 3.5 metres tall, 2 metres wide and just 40 cm thick I...A couple of kilometres to the east of Lacaune, along the D.622 road to Moulin-Mage, park just over the Col de la Croix-de-Deux-Sous, just after the big warehouse. Its then a short walk to this masculine statue-menhir, the largest in Europe, standing in a nice green field looking out towards the mountains.
This would be a beautiful stone even without the engravings, a lovely sparkly granite 3.5 metres tall, 2 metres wide and just 40 cm thick It has a lovely smoothed shape, and has got beautiful lichens growing on it. Unfortunately, these lichens and its sunny south facing position serve to obscure the details of the fine chap of whom this is a statue of. In the mid-day sun, while I was here, it was hard to make out the details, but his two legs, belt and "objet" could be seen, and perhaps his two arms. But these wont show in any of my photos. This is a beautiful spot indeed, but perhaps this fellow would be better preserved indoors ?
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205 |
125 |
| Pech-de-Naudène statue-menhir |
Sculptured Stone |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn (81) |
Visited |
16th Sep 2005 |
5 |
3 |
4 |
Turn off the D.622 Lacaune to Moulin-Mage road to the left, about a kilometre after the big Peyro-Lebado chap, and proceed to the hamlet of Haute-Vergne. Go through the farmyard to the top, then left and right, and the statue-menhir can be seen in the front garden of one of the houses. At the time of my visit, it was standing nicely at the back of where a caravan is kept. The people here were happy enough for me to visit and take a photograph, bu...Turn off the D.622 Lacaune to Moulin-Mage road to the left, about a kilometre after the big Peyro-Lebado chap, and proceed to the hamlet of Haute-Vergne. Go through the farmyard to the top, then left and right, and the statue-menhir can be seen in the front garden of one of the houses. At the time of my visit, it was standing nicely at the back of where a caravan is kept. The people here were happy enough for me to visit and take a photograph, but the farm dogs didn't seem to like my being there, so I didn't hang around long. The stone is only 1.3 metres high, but is clearly engraved as a male chappy, with face (eyes, nose and tattous), arms, belt and legs well visible. The back has its detail too, but I didn't see these.
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205 |
126 |
| Rieuviel statue menhir 1 |
Sculptured Stone |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn (81) |
Visited |
16th Sep 2005 |
3 |
2 |
5 |
This beautiful little stone, only 1.2 metres tall, is easily found on a bit of land being used by the road mending gang as a parking place for their machinery when I visited, just at the entry to the hamlet of Rieuviel. Unfortunately, the stone seems in much danger here, with cars and machinery parked all around it, and it needs better protection.
Although I was here in bright mid day sunlight from behind the stone, the engravings could clear...This beautiful little stone, only 1.2 metres tall, is easily found on a bit of land being used by the road mending gang as a parking place for their machinery when I visited, just at the entry to the hamlet of Rieuviel. Unfortunately, the stone seems in much danger here, with cars and machinery parked all around it, and it needs better protection.
Although I was here in bright mid day sunlight from behind the stone, the engravings could clearly be seen, and this is a feminine statue. Face, necklaces, breasts, arms, belt can be seen on the front, and hair on the back. Disappointingly, her legs have broken off at some time. She really needs better looking after than this. I'll take her in !
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205 |
127 |
| Rieuviel statue menhir 2 |
Sculptured Stone |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn (81) |
Visited |
16th Sep 2005 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
This fine male statue-menhir is to be found through the hamlet of Rieuviel, about 100 metres beyond the last house, and always bearing to the right. He is concreted in to a little plinth, and makes a sort of entrance to the lane with a cross mounted on the other side. Unfortunately, the poor chap is being used as a fence post, and the wire fence is scratching and degrading this 5000 year old stone.
It stands about 1.7 metres tall, and the eng...This fine male statue-menhir is to be found through the hamlet of Rieuviel, about 100 metres beyond the last house, and always bearing to the right. He is concreted in to a little plinth, and makes a sort of entrance to the lane with a cross mounted on the other side. Unfortunately, the poor chap is being used as a fence post, and the wire fence is scratching and degrading this 5000 year old stone.
It stands about 1.7 metres tall, and the engravings on the front are superb, and very clear. He has a full face, arms (with fingers), collar piece, belt with buckle, legs (with toes). I could not make out what weapons he carries, and the back is not clear. He really is a fine fellow, and should not be treated in the poor way that he is. He and his female neighbour need better looking after.
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205 |
128 |
| Combeynart Statue-Menhir |
Sculptured Stone |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn (81) |
Visited |
16th Sep 2005 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
This is a very tall thin male statue-menhir just at the north of the village of Cantoul. It stands just over 2 metres tall, but only 40 cm width, and certain of his features are equally scrawny. Legs, belt and "objet" can be made out but the rest is a bit of a jumble. The roads round here are very narrow and windy, I am not sure that I'll get the van out! Again, these outdoor statue-menhirs are wearing badly, and even the modern graffitti is wear...This is a very tall thin male statue-menhir just at the north of the village of Cantoul. It stands just over 2 metres tall, but only 40 cm width, and certain of his features are equally scrawny. Legs, belt and "objet" can be made out but the rest is a bit of a jumble. The roads round here are very narrow and windy, I am not sure that I'll get the van out! Again, these outdoor statue-menhirs are wearing badly, and even the modern graffitti is wearing off.
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205 |
129 |
| Moulin-de-Louat 1 statue-menhir |
Sculptured Stone |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn (81) |
Visited |
16th Sep 2005 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
This wonderful chap is stood looking out of his garden shed towards the stream, at the entry to the hamlet of Moulin-de-Louat, just over half a kilometre from Moulin-Mage. I gave up trying to get the van along the roads to the hamlet, and walked from Moulin-Mage.
The stone is about 1.5 metres tall, and made from a very pink coloured rock. This chap has all the decorations and more that a statue-menhir should have, as it has both male and fema...This wonderful chap is stood looking out of his garden shed towards the stream, at the entry to the hamlet of Moulin-de-Louat, just over half a kilometre from Moulin-Mage. I gave up trying to get the van along the roads to the hamlet, and walked from Moulin-Mage.
The stone is about 1.5 metres tall, and made from a very pink coloured rock. This chap has all the decorations and more that a statue-menhir should have, as it has both male and female attributes. The markings are very clear, and can easily be made out. The face has eyes, nose and tattous, with what also looks like hair to the sides. He has arms with fingers, an axe and bow, a belt with chevrons and buckle (which goes all the way round the back) and legs with toes. However, it also has breasts, probably added later, and the "hair" is probably the necklaces of the female. Round the back, not only is there the belt, but the long hat and shoulder things can be seen. This is really superb.
Just nearby, for company, is another nice stone, of about the same size, but a greyish black rock. I am unsure whether this is an ancient menhir or just a modern addition. It's a nice stone though, and probably keeps our man company.
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205 |
130 |
| Moulin-de-Louat 2 statue-menhir |
Sculptured Stone |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn (81) |
Visited |
16th Sep 2005 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
Just nearby, for company, is another nice stone, of about the same size, but a greyish black rock. I am unsure whether this is an ancient menhir or just a modern addition. It's a nice stone though, and probably keeps our man company. |
205 |
131 |
| Plos statue menhir 2 |
Sculptured Stone |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn (81) |
Visited |
16th Sep 2005 |
4 |
3 |
5 |
Probably once a statue-menhir, this is not classed as such as no discernible features can be seen engraved on it. That’s what several thousands of years of weather does for you. The menhir is the right shape, just over 2 metres tall and 1.5 metres wide. Its to be found beside the road, just to the south of the hamlet of Plos. |
205 |
132 |
| Pailhemalbiau statue menhir |
Sculptured Stone |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn (81) |
Visited |
16th Sep 2005 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
Coming from Plos, this fine fellow stands in a little shed protecting him from the worst of the weather, just inside the yard of the first farmhouse on the right. Like the Moulin-de-Louat statue-menhir it's a lovely piece of reddish pink stone, and was only discovered in 1981.
He stands 2 metres tall, and all his features can be clearly made out, both front and back. He has two rings for eyes, but no nose or tattous on his face. Arms and han...Coming from Plos, this fine fellow stands in a little shed protecting him from the worst of the weather, just inside the yard of the first farmhouse on the right. Like the Moulin-de-Louat statue-menhir it's a lovely piece of reddish pink stone, and was only discovered in 1981.
He stands 2 metres tall, and all his features can be clearly made out, both front and back. He has two rings for eyes, but no nose or tattous on his face. Arms and hands are clear, as is his "Objet" on its shoulder strap. His belt has a nice buckle, and his legs have all their toes clearly in place. He carries a weapon identified as a boomerang on the information sheet I have. The belt and shoulder strap continue round the back, and he has the full long hat or plait. This really is an excellent statue menhir, although it is difficult to photograph decently.
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205 |
133 |
| Favarels statue-menhir |
Sculptured Stone |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn (81) |
Visited |
16th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
The real statue menhir has been taken inside the museum at Murat, but a replica has been made and put in the place of the real one outside the information office. Its only about a metre tall, but has all the right features, face with tattous, arms with fingers, legs with toes, belt with buckle and shoulder straps with "Objet". He also carries an axe. I don't quite know where the museum is where the real one has now been put, and it would be close...The real statue menhir has been taken inside the museum at Murat, but a replica has been made and put in the place of the real one outside the information office. Its only about a metre tall, but has all the right features, face with tattous, arms with fingers, legs with toes, belt with buckle and shoulder straps with "Objet". He also carries an axe. I don't quite know where the museum is where the real one has now been put, and it would be closed at this time in the evening anyway.
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205 |
134 |
| Pré-de-Roi Menhir |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn (81) |
Visited |
16th Sep 2005 |
4 |
3 |
5 |
The Pré-de-Roi menhir is found right beside the road to the west of Murat, just beyond the road to the village of Candoubre. It is 2.5 metres tall, nearly 2 metres wide, and looks for all the world like it should be carved into a statue menhir. Perhaps it once was, and all the features have been eroded away by several thousand years of being in the open. A nice menhir anyway. |
205 |
135 |
| Paumérou menhir |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn (81) |
Visited |
16th Sep 2005 |
4 |
2 |
5 |
Near to the large industrial buildings, right beside the road from Murat, and a kilometre west of the Pré-de-Roi menhir can be found this nice stone. At just over 2 metres tall, 1 metre wide and 40 cm thick, it almost looks shaped to have a head, or am I now just imagining things after seeing so many statue-menhirs around here today ? The menhir has nice diagonal markings with moss filled grooves. |
205 |
136 |
| Carrieres menhir |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn (81) |
Visited |
16th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
While driving through Carriers towards Nages from the southeast, I saw a little menhir shining in the low sun beside the road near to a cross. Its not much more than a metre tall, and possibly once had markings on it, and is a very pale coloured stone. It is nicely presented in its little garden like setting. |
205 |
137 |
| Nages menhir |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Midi-Pyrénées:Tarn (81) |
Visited |
16th Sep 2005 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Right outside the back of the church in Nages can be found this little menhir, planted in a little flower bed. It is about 1.4 metres tall and 0.6 metres wide, and made out of a nice dark grey, almost black stone. The front face is very smooth, but it is rough on all other sides. |
205 |
138 |
| Dolmen du Belvédère |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Couldn't find |
17th Sep 2005 |
|
|
|
St Michel de Grandmont Priory visit. There are no longer any free visits round the grounds, and I can only do the guided tour of the priory and grounds after. They say its something to do with animals in the park, and its quite disappointing. I do the full tour, its a half price day, so its €5 and 2 hours of visit. Despite being led to believe I would see all the dolmens, I only got to see the Coste-Rouge dolmen and the odd stones, and not the ot...St Michel de Grandmont Priory visit. There are no longer any free visits round the grounds, and I can only do the guided tour of the priory and grounds after. They say its something to do with animals in the park, and its quite disappointing. I do the full tour, its a half price day, so its €5 and 2 hours of visit. Despite being led to believe I would see all the dolmens, I only got to see the Coste-Rouge dolmen and the odd stones, and not the other two dolmens within the grounds.
The Dolmen du Belvédère is somewhere near the Belvedere viewpoint, but disappointingly I didn’t see this dolmen while on my tour.
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205 |
139 |
| Grandmont Menhir |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
17th Sep 2005 |
3 |
4 |
2 |
This menhir is about 1.5 metres high, 2 metres width, and standing in an area with many other strangely shaped and carved rocks. |
205 |
140 |
| Les Ecuelles du Diable |
Holed Stone |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
17th Sep 2005 |
3 |
4 |
2 |
Within the grounds of the St Michel de Grandmont Priory there are many strangely shaped and carved rocks. There are stories of sacrifice, and there being channels cut in the rocks for the blood to run through. Several of the rocks seem to have been cut into what are possibly thrones. A very strange area. |
205 |
141 |
| Coste-Rouge Dolmen |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
17th Sep 2005 |
5 |
5 |
2 |
Within the grounds of the Saint-Michel-de-Grandmont priory, in the mountains above Lodève in Hérault, this is possibly the most famous dolmen in the world. The dolmen is superbly situated on the edge of the hill, with massive views over the plains to the south.
The chamber is made on all sides with large slabs, which is covered by a large capstone which substantially overhangs on all sides. Unusually, the capstone rests on the front and bac...Within the grounds of the Saint-Michel-de-Grandmont priory, in the mountains above Lodève in Hérault, this is possibly the most famous dolmen in the world. The dolmen is superbly situated on the edge of the hill, with massive views over the plains to the south.
The chamber is made on all sides with large slabs, which is covered by a large capstone which substantially overhangs on all sides. Unusually, the capstone rests on the front and back stones, rather than the two side slabs. The most magnificent thing about this dolmen though is the wonderful carved "oven door" entranceway, looking very much like a sort of Tom and Jerry mousehole.
The remains of the cairn and its entrance passageway can be seen around the dolmen, the stones of the cairn being red volcanic rocks rather than the brownish slabs of the chamber, which is from where the dolmen got its name. Around the outside of this is a surrounding peristalith of pale rocks. The chamber is about 3 metres in length, by 2 metres wide.
Within the grounds of St Michel de Grandmont Priory. There are no longer any free visits round the grounds, and I can only do the guided tour of the priory and grounds after. They say its something to do with animals in the park, and its quite disappointing. I do the full tour, its a half price day, so its €5 and 2 hours of visit. Despite being led to believe I would see all the dolmens, I only got to see the Coste-Rouge dolmen and the odd stones, and not the other two dolmens within the grounds.
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205 |
142 |
| Bruyère d'Usclas |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
17th Sep 2005 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
This is a lovely dolmen, but was a bit of a bugger to find, despite a large signpost. Taking the road from Lodeve east to Saint-Michel-de-Grandmont, travel 800 metres further than the entrance to the priory. Here there is a junction with two large forest tracks and a parking area, with a large sign pointing down the first forest track to "Dolmen Bruyère d'Usclas".
I walked miles, and saw no evidence of the dolmen, but found three ladies sitti...This is a lovely dolmen, but was a bit of a bugger to find, despite a large signpost. Taking the road from Lodeve east to Saint-Michel-de-Grandmont, travel 800 metres further than the entrance to the priory. Here there is a junction with two large forest tracks and a parking area, with a large sign pointing down the first forest track to "Dolmen Bruyère d'Usclas".
I walked miles, and saw no evidence of the dolmen, but found three ladies sitting in the forest. I asked them and they pointed out the error of my ways - I had gone way too far and walked round in much of a big circle around the hilltop. From the parking at the junction, only walk about 200 metres (about 150m past a big tank), then look for a little path down the hillside into the forest on the left. It is marked with a little pile of stones, but I do mean little ! Fifty metres down this path through the trees is the dolmen.
It has much in common with the nearby dolmen de Coste-Rouge, a similar sized (but not so high) chamber set in a circle of stones, many of which are the red volcanic rock. The capstone, which is unfortunately broken at the back, sits on four perfectly fitted support stones, with the side stones angled inwards. The front stone does not have the oven door, but the entrance is to one side, which shows evidence of a carved and enlarged opening area. The chamber is about 2.5 m long by 2 m in width. The stones are fitted so well that almost no light gets in apart from through the entrance.
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205 |
143 |
| Gallardet Dolmen |
Passage Grave |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
18th Sep 2005 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
This really was a bugger to find, but when you find it, you wonder why.
Initially I went to where it is marked on the map, there's a big farm there called Ferme-le-dolmen, but no obvious sign to it. Reading my book says that go to the town centre and follow signs from there. I eventually found the town centre but missed any signs, so I had a second go. The roads are tiny, and no way the camper van will get through there, and probably not a ca...This really was a bugger to find, but when you find it, you wonder why.
Initially I went to where it is marked on the map, there's a big farm there called Ferme-le-dolmen, but no obvious sign to it. Reading my book says that go to the town centre and follow signs from there. I eventually found the town centre but missed any signs, so I had a second go. The roads are tiny, and no way the camper van will get through there, and probably not a car either. Perhaps its a park and walk job, but I could find nowhere to park. Oh well, maybe tomorrow, time is getting on and I don't know where to camp for the night.
The next day, on my third attempt to find it, it took me half an hour to park in the village, then over an hour to find the dolmen, having asked several people. The trick is not to miss the right turn on the road out of the village, and keep going almost to the end of the ridge, above the farm.
The dolmen has been much restored, but it is well worth the effort to get here. It is completely within its mound, and the access corridor, which is 5 metres long and between 1 and 1.5 metres wide, leads to an outside chamber 2.5 metres long and 2.5 metres wide. This leads on to a wonderful oven door stone, which has been put back together from three pieces. The stone is 2 metres high, and has a door 1 metre wide and 1.2 metres in height cut into it.
Beyond this is the main chamber, 6 metres long and up to 4 metres wide, and easily high enough to stand up in. It is constructed with a sort of barrel vaulting, and then capped with large slabs, three of which are in place (of a probable four). There is a lovely shaped backstone. Unfortunately the chamber fills with rainwater and mud. All of the three parts of the passage are dry stone walled, there are no upright slabs except to divide the sections. The entrance passageway opens towards the west, at 232°, with a slight uphill slope.
This is a really lovely dolmen, but thats the entire morning gone. There are gorgeous views northwards over the Hérault valley.
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205 |
145 |
| Coste-Caude Dolmen 1 |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
18th Sep 2005 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
Leaving St Pierre towards La Vacquerie, take the first left after a kilometre, and then left again with signs towards a council works area. After 1.5 kilometres, the road gets to the top of a hill. Just below the top of the hill, there is a track to the west, with what looks like, and is marked on the maps as a menhir. It is however a sculpture of a prehistoric man from about the year 1910, and his features can be made out when looking closely.
...Leaving St Pierre towards La Vacquerie, take the first left after a kilometre, and then left again with signs towards a council works area. After 1.5 kilometres, the road gets to the top of a hill. Just below the top of the hill, there is a track to the west, with what looks like, and is marked on the maps as a menhir. It is however a sculpture of a prehistoric man from about the year 1910, and his features can be made out when looking closely.
About 150 metres along the track, it turns to the left, and on the top of the hill is this nice dolmen, restored in the 1970s. Still within its mound of stones, its a sort of double decker, with a high main chamber preceded by a lower entry corridor. The main chamber is 3 metres long, 1.5 metres wide and high enough to stand in. It has two good side stones, a nice back stone and a lovely overhanging capstone on top. In front of theis is a 4 or 5 metre long entry passageway, 0.5 metres wide and 1 metre high, and capped with two capstones. It opens towards the southwest at about 220°. A nice place to visit up here in the empty causse.
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205 |
146 |
| Coste-Caude Dolmen 2 |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
18th Sep 2005 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Less than 100 metres away from Coste-Caude dolmen 1, to the southeast, can be found another dolmen. I just walked about a bit, and there it was. It still has a large pile of stones surrounding it, and the chamber has its side stones and backstone, but no capstone. The chamber is 2.5 metres by 1.5 metres, and also opens up to the southwest at 220°. I suspect there are several more dolmens around here. |
205 |
147 |
| Coste-Caude menhir |
Modern Stone Circle etc |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
18th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
Just below the top of the hill below Coste-Caude dolmen 1, there is a track to the west, with what looks like, and is marked on the maps as a menhir. It is however a sculpture of a prehistoric man from about the year 1910, and his features can be made out when looking closely. This stone is about 2 metres tall, and whether it was carved and then put here, or carved on an original menhir I do not know, but its nice to look at. |
205 |
148 |
| Petit Dolmen du Ferrussac |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
18th Sep 2005 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
A kilometre or so to the southeast of La Vacquerie, at a place called Trivalle, take the road east signposted to Dolmen du Ferrussac. After a couple of kilometres, while descending through an oak wood, you will see a little gate on the left, with label Petit Dolmen. There is a place to park, and the dolmen is just 20 metres beyond the gate, at the top of a higher bit of ground.
The chamber is 2m by 1m and still partly within its mound, with a...A kilometre or so to the southeast of La Vacquerie, at a place called Trivalle, take the road east signposted to Dolmen du Ferrussac. After a couple of kilometres, while descending through an oak wood, you will see a little gate on the left, with label Petit Dolmen. There is a place to park, and the dolmen is just 20 metres beyond the gate, at the top of a higher bit of ground.
The chamber is 2m by 1m and still partly within its mound, with an entrance opening to 235°. The capstone sits on top of two sidestones and a backslab, with some degree of restoration involved. A very pleasant little place.
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205 |
149 |
| Grand Dolmen du Ferrussac |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
18th Sep 2005 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
300 metres further along the road to the east from the Petit Dolmen, can be found the Grand Dolmen du Ferrussac. Which compared to the others I have seen around here is a bit of a monster. It is right beside the road, again with parking and sign.
On top of a natural mound, and within its tumulus of stones, the main chamber stones tower above everything. The tumulus is about 16 metres in diameter, and has an encircling ring of large slabs. In ...300 metres further along the road to the east from the Petit Dolmen, can be found the Grand Dolmen du Ferrussac. Which compared to the others I have seen around here is a bit of a monster. It is right beside the road, again with parking and sign.
On top of a natural mound, and within its tumulus of stones, the main chamber stones tower above everything. The tumulus is about 16 metres in diameter, and has an encircling ring of large slabs. In the centre is the main chamber, 4 metres long by 1.6 metres wide, and well over 2 metres high with a massive 4.5 metre long by 2.5 metre wide capstone on top. The entry passage is at least 5 metres long, less than a metre wide and a metre high, topped with four capstones, and is largely slab sided. Between the entry passage and the main chamber is a partitioning entry stone. The entrance faces southwest, at 235°.
It's not perfect, there has been a lot of restoration and concrete, including half of the western sideslab, but its a pretty impressive monument. There are supposedly a couple of fallen menhirs between 50 and 100 metres to the south of the dolmen, but this land is fenced off, and with some pretty mean looking horned cattle in there, so I wasn't going to look too hard.
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205 |
150 |
| Menhir de Ferrussac 1 |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Couldn't find |
18th Sep 2005 |
|
|
|
Between 50 and 100 metres to the northwest of the Grand Dolmen du Ferrussac, is a fallen menhir, 1.7 metres in length. However, this land is fenced off, and with some pretty mean looking horned cattle in there, so I wasn't going to look too hard. |
205 |
151 |
| Menhir de Ferrussac 2 |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Couldn't find |
18th Sep 2005 |
|
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Between 50 and 100 metres to the northeast of the Grand Dolmen du Ferrussac, is a fallen menhir more than 3 metres in length. However, this land is fenced off, and with some pretty mean looking horned cattle in there, so I wasn't going to look too hard. |
205 |
152 |
| Levade Menhir |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
18th Sep 2005 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
Three kilometres further down the road from the Grand Dolmen du Ferrussac, where it curves around to the right, is this 3 metre tall manhir in the field to the left of the road. It has been re-erected, and is now concreted into the ground. It looks to have been smoothed and shaped, and does not look a natural shape rock. A nice one. |
205 |
153 |
| Menhir de la Cisternette |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
18th Sep 2005 |
4 |
3 |
5 |
About 600 metres further down the road from the Levade menhir, and on the slopes to the right of the road, can be seen this menhir. At nearly 2.5 metres tall, it has been christianised by having a cross cut into its face. It’s a nice thin almond shaped stone, but has been concreted into the ground, so I cannot be sure that it is facing in its original orientation. |
205 |
154 |
| Menhir du Coulet 2 |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
18th Sep 2005 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
This menhir is to be found out in the land to the left of the road, at the same place as the Cisternette menhir. It is over 3 metres tall, and looks to have lost its top. Its another nicely shaped slab, flat on one face, curved on the other, and only 40 cm thick. |
205 |
155 |
| Menhir du Coulet 1 |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
18th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
Three hundred metres further down the road from the previous menhirs, and in the land to the north of the road, can be found the Coulet 2 menhir. Nearly 3 metres tall, it is a nice almond shaped stone, which has been mended from two parts cemented back together, and concreted into an upright position. A nice job has been done of this. |
205 |
156 |
| Prunarède Dolmen |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
18th Sep 2005 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
I thought that this was going to be an easy find, but not so. Take the road north from Saint-Maurice-Navacelles towards the Cirque de Navacelles. After several kilometres you come to the ruined farmhouse of Prunarède, at a couple of sharp bends in the road. Park here, and walk along the footpath which starts behind the farm for 800 metres until the path runs out. Easy so far. The dolmen should be there, at the end of the path. Not so easy now. Wh...I thought that this was going to be an easy find, but not so. Take the road north from Saint-Maurice-Navacelles towards the Cirque de Navacelles. After several kilometres you come to the ruined farmhouse of Prunarède, at a couple of sharp bends in the road. Park here, and walk along the footpath which starts behind the farm for 800 metres until the path runs out. Easy so far. The dolmen should be there, at the end of the path. Not so easy now. Where does the path end ? and what is path and what is sheeptrack ?
I eventually found the dolmen, I had walked way past expecting it to be obvious, but it wasnt. It is well hidden in the bushes, to the right of where I had walked. Its a smashing dolmen, still with a cairn around it encircled with larger slabs of stone. The chamber is 3.5 metres long, between 1.5 and 2 metres wide, and formed with two side slabs leaning inwards onto a front and back stone. These are all fitted together so well, that even after 5000 years, there's not much more than an inch gap anywhere. There is no way into the chamber except to get a look through a gap under the capstone from one side. The capstone sits nicely on top of three of the four stones. I cannot tell where the entranceway would have been, or which is front and back.
Unfortunately, there are remnants from a fence which had been built around it in the past, in the form of a square of stones around the chamber on top of the cairn, and the remains of iron railings. The views from here would be tremendous if the scrub was cut back, but are however very limited.
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205 |
157 |
| Serre de la Gleisa |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Saw from a distance |
19th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
Take the road towards Blandas from Montdardier, and after a few kilometres there is a big junction of ways. On the left, 100 metres or so before the junction, up the hill, can be seen this menhir, perhaps 100 metres from the road and well fenced in, so I couldn't get to it. It looks about 2.5 metres tall, and slab shaped. |
205 |
158 |
| Planàs Dolmen |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Visited |
19th Sep 2005 |
5 |
3 |
5 |
Take the road towards Blandas from Montdardier, and after a few kilometres there is a big junction of ways. Right at the junction in a little enclosure to the right of the road can be found this nicely restored dolmen. It is completely within its cairn, and the fence is close, which makes photos difficult. The mound is about 12 metres in diameter and 2 metres high. The chamber in the centre is mostly made of dry stone walls, but with a large slab...Take the road towards Blandas from Montdardier, and after a few kilometres there is a big junction of ways. Right at the junction in a little enclosure to the right of the road can be found this nicely restored dolmen. It is completely within its cairn, and the fence is close, which makes photos difficult. The mound is about 12 metres in diameter and 2 metres high. The chamber in the centre is mostly made of dry stone walls, but with a large slab at the back, and topped by a 3 m by 2.5 m capstone, on top of the same sized chamber. There is an entry passageway about 5 metres long, and half a metre wide, which opens to the southwest at 235°.
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205 |
159 |
| Menhir de Planàs |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Visited |
19th Sep 2005 |
2 |
3 |
5 |
Near the entry to the Planàs Dolmen, and laying on the tumulus, is a lovely fallen menhir, which possibly acted as a marker. Its about 2 metres long and 1 metre wide, and a lovely almond shaped stone. Pity it hasn’t been stood up when the dolmen restoration was done. |
205 |
160 |
| Planàs cromlech |
Stone Circle |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Visited |
19th Sep 2005 |
1 |
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5 |
Destroyed many years ago during construction of the road, just a few stumps and fallen stones of this cromlech remain scattered around near the junction. What was once a fine stone circle is now just a large road junction in the middle of nowhere. |
205 |
161 |
| Lacam de Peyrarines |
Stone Circle |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Visited |
19th Sep 2005 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
Take the road towards Blandas from Montdardier, and after a few kilometres there is a big junction of ways. About 600 metres down the road towards Blandas from the junction, and in the field to the right can be seen this tremendous cromlech.
This is a proper circle of stones, with 52 standing stones up to about 1.8 metres high making a circle of about 120 metres diameter. At the centre is a large menhir, well over two metres high. There are g...Take the road towards Blandas from Montdardier, and after a few kilometres there is a big junction of ways. About 600 metres down the road towards Blandas from the junction, and in the field to the right can be seen this tremendous cromlech.
This is a proper circle of stones, with 52 standing stones up to about 1.8 metres high making a circle of about 120 metres diameter. At the centre is a large menhir, well over two metres high. There are gaps in the circle, and several more stones which were possibly part of the circle are laying down. The stones which make up the circle are all different shapes and sizes, of this fragile and pockmarked limestone. There are tall thin ones, big rectangular stumps, short squat blocks, diamonds, triangles, slanted top stones and a few almonds.
Just sat at the centre of this circle looking at all the stones around me it feels wonderful. One of the stones has like a giant finger pointing upwards. One of them is full of holes (number 35 in my counting !). Most of them are very evenly spaced, but it is not all that way. This really is a special place. Most of the stones are of the local crumbly flaky pale limestone, but not all, as a few of the large stones are a dark brown gritty sort of rock.
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205 |
162 |
| Menhir de Landre 1 |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Saw from a distance |
19th Sep 2005 |
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From the Planas junction, take the small road towards Le Landre. After a couple of kilometres, just after passing over the brow of a hill, and you can see this menhir up on top of its little hillock, about 70 metres to the left of the road. It was all well fenced in when I visited, behind a little cropped field, so I couldn't get to the stone. It looks about 2.5 metres tall, and leans at quite an angle. Splendid views from here to the north, and ...From the Planas junction, take the small road towards Le Landre. After a couple of kilometres, just after passing over the brow of a hill, and you can see this menhir up on top of its little hillock, about 70 metres to the left of the road. It was all well fenced in when I visited, behind a little cropped field, so I couldn't get to the stone. It looks about 2.5 metres tall, and leans at quite an angle. Splendid views from here to the north, and the Cevennes.
Read More |
205 |
163 |
| Menhir de Landre 2 |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Saw from a distance |
19th Sep 2005 |
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About 100 metres to the south of Landre menhir 1, atop the adjacent hillock can be found this fallen menhir. As for menhir 1, this was too well fenced in, and I didn't get to visit it. |
205 |
164 |
| Arques Dolmen |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Visited |
19th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
This dolmen can be found just to the left of the road west from Planas towards Le Quintanel, turning left just before you reach Le Landre and continuing for about a kilometre until you pass the brow of a hill.
The remains of this fairly large dolmen are just off the road, and still mostly within a fairly large tumulus. The back stone and two side slabs are in position, but the capstone is dislodged to one side. The chamber is 3 metres long by...This dolmen can be found just to the left of the road west from Planas towards Le Quintanel, turning left just before you reach Le Landre and continuing for about a kilometre until you pass the brow of a hill.
The remains of this fairly large dolmen are just off the road, and still mostly within a fairly large tumulus. The back stone and two side slabs are in position, but the capstone is dislodged to one side. The chamber is 3 metres long by 2.5 metres wide, and would probably have been large enough to stand in. There is the remains of a 7 metre long by 0.7 metre wide entry passage through the tumulus, which opens, as they all seem to do round here, towards the southwest, at 237°.
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205 |
165 |
| Combes Menhir |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Visited |
19th Sep 2005 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
About a kilometre further on from the Arques dolmen, and just to the left of the road can be found this superb menhir, which has been re-erected in a concrete base. It stands 3 metres tall, and is made of the most wonderfully weathered piece of limestone, full of holes and divots, with moss and lichens growing everywhere. It is quite a character. |
205 |
166 |
| Avernat menhir |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Visited |
19th Sep 2005 |
4 |
3 |
5 |
This fine chap stands proudly at the junction of the roads D.158 and D.158a from Blandas to Le Landre and Quintanelles, just a couple of hundred metres from its neighbour, the menhir de Combes. It is very similar in both size and shape, 3 metres tall, except this one is not so superbly weathered. I am not sure whether it is in its original place here at the road junction or not. |
205 |
167 |
| Lacam de la Rigalderie |
Stone Circle |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Visited |
19th Sep 2005 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
Just to the south of the D.843 road between Blandas and Rigalderie, slightly to the west of what looks like a little airstrip, the remains of this lovely cromlech can be found on the slopes rising to a little hilltop. Unlike Lacam de Peyrarines, this one has a little parking area and a gated path to the cromlech, which is about 200 metres from the road across a field.
The circle is about 90 metres in diameter, and I counted 36 stones, either ...Just to the south of the D.843 road between Blandas and Rigalderie, slightly to the west of what looks like a little airstrip, the remains of this lovely cromlech can be found on the slopes rising to a little hilltop. Unlike Lacam de Peyrarines, this one has a little parking area and a gated path to the cromlech, which is about 200 metres from the road across a field.
The circle is about 90 metres in diameter, and I counted 36 stones, either standing or fallen, with 20 or so properly standing upright. There are probably a few more stones in the lower part of the circle which is enveloped in bushes and undergrowth, where the circle seems to be embanked. Most of the stones are of the pale local limestone, but again as with Lacam de Peyrarines, one or two are of a brownish coloured stone. The height varies from half a metre to about 1.8 metres, except for a beautiful stone at the uppermost part of the circle which is about 2.5 metres in height, and a lovely shape.
The stones are mostly pillar shaped, but there are one or two triangles and pointy topped stones. The spacing is pretty even, at about 6 metres between stones, similar to Peyrarines. There is no evidence of a central pillar here.
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205 |
168 |
| Lacam de la Rigalderie 2 |
Stone Circle |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Visited |
19th Sep 2005 |
1 |
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3 |
There is supposedly another stone circle near to the top of the hill, but in a ruinous state. I had a good look around, but with all the bushes and undergrowth growing here near the top of the hill, there was nothing that I could find which could be said to be the remains of a stone circle. |
205 |
169 |
| Dolmen de Barral |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Visited |
19th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
At the eastern edge of the hamlet of Barral, built into a wall to the north of the road, across a field, can be seen this little dolmen. The stones are easily visible from the road, although a visit was not really possible. |
205 |
170 |
| Flouirac Dolmen |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Couldn't find |
19th Sep 2005 |
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This dolmen is supposedly about 1.5 kilometres to the east of the hamlet of Barral, and just 25 metres to the nmorth of the road. However, it is so well hidden , that even after exensive searching, I could find no traces of it. |
205 |
171 |
| Trivalle menhir |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Visited |
19th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
Named Trivalle since Roman times, because it is situated at the junction of three ancient trackways, this menhir stands about 1.7 metres tall, just outside the ancient village of Rogues, on the road west towards Blandas, not far from the church. |
205 |
172 |
| Ciste de Lacam |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Visited |
19th Sep 2005 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
From the main road passing the village of Rogues, take the dirt track leading northwest from near the electrical transformer, opposite the road to the village. After 300 metres walking down this track, there is a little mound on the right side, of which the centre has been dug out. Inside can be seen the slab stone remains of a central burial cist. Probably never a full dolmen, but maybe a later iron age burial. None of the slabs are more than 50...From the main road passing the village of Rogues, take the dirt track leading northwest from near the electrical transformer, opposite the road to the village. After 300 metres walking down this track, there is a little mound on the right side, of which the centre has been dug out. Inside can be seen the slab stone remains of a central burial cist. Probably never a full dolmen, but maybe a later iron age burial. None of the slabs are more than 50cm in length.
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205 |
173 |
| Lacam de Rogues 1 |
Stone Circle |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Visited |
19th Sep 2005 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
From the main road passing the village of Rogues, take the dirt track leading northwest from near the electrical transformer, opposite the road to the village. After 300 metres walking down this track, there is a little mound on the right side, of which the centre has been dug out. To the other side of the track here are the remains of the first Cromlech de Rogues. There is not much here to be seen, but there are a few larger lumps of stone layin...From the main road passing the village of Rogues, take the dirt track leading northwest from near the electrical transformer, opposite the road to the village. After 300 metres walking down this track, there is a little mound on the right side, of which the centre has been dug out. To the other side of the track here are the remains of the first Cromlech de Rogues. There is not much here to be seen, but there are a few larger lumps of stone laying around, and with an eye of faith, an arc can possibly be made out with some of them.
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205 |
174 |
| Lacam de Rogues 2 |
Stone Circle |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Visited |
19th Sep 2005 |
2 |
5 |
3 |
From the main road passing the village of Rogues, take the dirt track leading northwest from near the electrical transformer, opposite the road to the village. Walk about 600 metres along this track, always keeping to the right when there is a choice. There is then a little cultivated field in the valley to the right, go around this and to the top of the higher ground beyond it, and continue for another 300 metres.
At the highest point is a l...From the main road passing the village of Rogues, take the dirt track leading northwest from near the electrical transformer, opposite the road to the village. Walk about 600 metres along this track, always keeping to the right when there is a choice. There is then a little cultivated field in the valley to the right, go around this and to the top of the higher ground beyond it, and continue for another 300 metres.
At the highest point is a little tree growing, with the central pillar for this cromlech standing beside it. This central pillar is the only stone of this circle still standing, and it is not much more than a metre high. The circle of stones around it is about 90 metres in diameter, and there are many stones remaining, but all fallen and crumbling, as is the wont of this fragile pale limestone. I would imagine there to be bits of at least 30 stones still in evidence, most of them being in the northern half of the circle. The southern half is practically barren, and there has been a wall, or field clearance line of stones created where a big one of the circle would have been.
Apart from the cold wind blowing across this plateau, the clouds have now mostly cleared, and it is becoming a clear blue sky with great visibility. It really is special up here, with magnificent views all around over the Causse, with hills and mountains in the distance all around. The Cevennes to the north look particularly enchanting in the low golden sunlight.
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205 |
175 |
| Oppidum de la Blacarède |
Ancient Village or Settlement |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Saw from a distance |
19th Sep 2005 |
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Just to the northeast of the village of Rogues is a large rounded hill with remains of an Oppidum on the top. |
205 |
176 |
| Ginestous Menhir 1 |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
20th Sep 2005 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
The Ginestous complex of 9 menhirs and a burial chamber can be found about 5 kilometres to the east of Ganges, by following the road signposted to Nimes. After the road reaches the top of the hill continue for a further 500 metres, then take the small lane to the north, towards Ginestous chateau. After a couple of hundred metres, the road crosses an old railway line (now dismantled) and there is room to park here. The wonderful Almond menhir ca...The Ginestous complex of 9 menhirs and a burial chamber can be found about 5 kilometres to the east of Ganges, by following the road signposted to Nimes. After the road reaches the top of the hill continue for a further 500 metres, then take the small lane to the north, towards Ginestous chateau. After a couple of hundred metres, the road crosses an old railway line (now dismantled) and there is room to park here. The wonderful Almond menhir can be seen from here.
Ginestous menhir is the most wonderful almond shaped menhir, a good 3 metres in height, up to 2 metres wide at its middle, but only 30 cm thick. The flat front faces due south. The work that has gone into shaping it is extremely finely done.
They did a great job making this one, surely one of the most lovely standing stones in the world. Easily found a couple of hundred metres along the disused railway track to the east of the Ginestous Chateau road crossing, and visible from there. Well worth a visit.
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205 |
177 |
| Ginestous menhir 2 |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
20th Sep 2005 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
Ginestous menhir 2 is about 50 metres further up the hillside from the Almond menhir, which can be found fallen beside a bush. It is fairly small, less than 2 metres in length. |
205 |
178 |
| Ginestous menhir 3 |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
20th Sep 2005 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
Ginestous menhir 3 is about 2.7 metres tall, and a very carefully formed rectangular shape, standing proudly overlooking the valley. The top has crumbled and broken a bit, so maybe it was once taller. It can be seen from the Almond menhir, which is about 100 metres away to the east, across a valley, with a little path leading between the two. |
205 |
179 |
| Ginestous menhir 4 |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
20th Sep 2005 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
Ginestous menhir 4 is fallen and broken into several pieces. It is only about 8 metres away from menhir 3. |
205 |
180 |
| Ginestous Dolmen |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
20th Sep 2005 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
Ginestous dolmen is in a very wrecked state. At first sight it seems to be another menhir, but closer inspection shows it to be the remains of a burial chamber, these days not much more than a depression in a mound of stones. At the eastern end is a large slab (2m by 2m) standing, which is perhaps the backstone to the chamber, but possibly the fallen capstone, which may well have covered a chamber made from drystone walling. It can be seen lookin...Ginestous dolmen is in a very wrecked state. At first sight it seems to be another menhir, but closer inspection shows it to be the remains of a burial chamber, these days not much more than a depression in a mound of stones. At the eastern end is a large slab (2m by 2m) standing, which is perhaps the backstone to the chamber, but possibly the fallen capstone, which may well have covered a chamber made from drystone walling. It can be seen looking west from the Almond menhir, looking like a smaller menhir, and is 40 metres to the south of menhir 3.
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205 |
181 |
| Ginestous menhir 5 |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
20th Sep 2005 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
Ginestous menhir 5 is fallen and broken into several pieces. This was once quite a large menhir, of a tapered shape, significantly more than 2 metres long and almost 2 metres wide at the base. It can be found about 40 metres to the west of the dolmen. |
205 |
182 |
| Ginestous menhir 7 |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
20th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
Ginestous menhir 7 remains as a small stump, which can be seen at the edge of the little road which leads up to the chateau, just uphill from the corner after the railway crossing. |
205 |
183 |
| Village Préhistorique de Cambous |
Ancient Village or Settlement |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
20th Sep 2005 |
5 |
4 |
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This is a 5000 year old village with two groups of houses found at Viols Laval, just to the south of St Martin-de-Londres, and is easily found because it is signposted from all around. To get there, park in the village and it is about an 800 metre walk to the site, but unfortunately for me towards the end of September, it had just shut last weekend and would not be open again until next easter !
However, despite not being able to get into the...This is a 5000 year old village with two groups of houses found at Viols Laval, just to the south of St Martin-de-Londres, and is easily found because it is signposted from all around. To get there, park in the village and it is about an 800 metre walk to the site, but unfortunately for me towards the end of September, it had just shut last weekend and would not be open again until next easter !
However, despite not being able to get into the fenced off site, I could see some of the excavated houses through the fence. In two main groups, the houses consist of very long buildings arranged side by side. There a reconstructed dwelling a bit further into the complex, which I could not get to see properly. This was all a big shame, as this was one of the sites I have been particularly looking forwards to seeing throughout my entire trip.
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205 |
184 |
| Cambous oval tombs |
Chambered Cairn |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
20th Sep 2005 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
Just outside the ancient village can be seen the remains of at least one ruined chambered tomb, which I assume to be of the oval tomb type. |
205 |
185 |
| Dolmen de Cambous |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
20th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
Just outside the ancient village take a path eastwards along the edge of the wood from near to the sheep pond for about 200 metres, and you will get to this dolmen. There is a round cairn of stones about 10 metres in diameter, with two concentric circles of dressed stone around it. At the centre is a chamber, made with drystone walling except for the backstone and two entrance stones, but it is not very big at about 2m by 1m. There is no sign of ...Just outside the ancient village take a path eastwards along the edge of the wood from near to the sheep pond for about 200 metres, and you will get to this dolmen. There is a round cairn of stones about 10 metres in diameter, with two concentric circles of dressed stone around it. At the centre is a chamber, made with drystone walling except for the backstone and two entrance stones, but it is not very big at about 2m by 1m. There is no sign of any capstone.
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205 |
186 |
| Cazarils tombe ovale 1 |
Chambered Tomb |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
20th Sep 2005 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
Just to the north of the little town of Viols-le-Fort, take the little road towasrds Cazarils, and park by a little clearing in the wood after about 1.5 km, not quite at the top of the hill. Here there is a footpath into the woods, well marked with blue markers. Follow this zig-zag path for about 300 metres and you soon find this nice little oval tomb, a style found regularly round these parts.
The outer edge of the tomb is about 8m by 6m, wi...Just to the north of the little town of Viols-le-Fort, take the little road towasrds Cazarils, and park by a little clearing in the wood after about 1.5 km, not quite at the top of the hill. Here there is a footpath into the woods, well marked with blue markers. Follow this zig-zag path for about 300 metres and you soon find this nice little oval tomb, a style found regularly round these parts.
The outer edge of the tomb is about 8m by 6m, with the inner chamber about 4m by 2.5m, and open to the north. the inner edge of the chamber is formed of many upright slabs, generally about half a metre high. At the back of the chamber is a carved stone (a copy, as the original is safely kept in a museum) with a sort of face carved into it. It is quite well known, I have seen it before in many places. This is a pleasant little place, with sheep bells clanging all around.
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205 |
187 |
| Cazarils tombe ovale 2 |
Chambered Tomb |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
20th Sep 2005 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
About 50 metres further round on the footpath from Cazarils tombe ovale 1, is found this second oval tomb, but it is hiding in the bushes a bit. It is much bigger than the first, but does not have the wonderful carved headstone. The inner chamber is about 4m by 2.5m, and the walls are generally 1m high. It's cairn of stones is much bigger also, but unfortunately was getting very overgrown with bushes, making photos of the whole thing very difficu...About 50 metres further round on the footpath from Cazarils tombe ovale 1, is found this second oval tomb, but it is hiding in the bushes a bit. It is much bigger than the first, but does not have the wonderful carved headstone. The inner chamber is about 4m by 2.5m, and the walls are generally 1m high. It's cairn of stones is much bigger also, but unfortunately was getting very overgrown with bushes, making photos of the whole thing very difficult.
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205 |
188 |
| La Draille Dolmen |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
20th Sep 2005 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
Just to the north of the little town of Viols-le-Fort, take the little road towards Cazarils, and park by a little clearing in the wood after about 1.5 km, not quite at the top of the hill. Here there is a footpath into the woods, well marked with blue markers. Follow this zig-zag path for about 300 metres and you soon find the nice little Cazarils tombe ovale 1, with a bit further on the second one. At this point the blue paint marker points hav...Just to the north of the little town of Viols-le-Fort, take the little road towards Cazarils, and park by a little clearing in the wood after about 1.5 km, not quite at the top of the hill. Here there is a footpath into the woods, well marked with blue markers. Follow this zig-zag path for about 300 metres and you soon find the nice little Cazarils tombe ovale 1, with a bit further on the second one. At this point the blue paint marker points have become very faint, and are very hard to follow, and the path could go anywhere in this scrub. Take a track to the right, and after about 150 metres of zig zagging about through the scrub and over difficult loose stone you should reach this dolmen. Watch out in particular for a large pot hole before you get there, it looks to be very deep.
The dolmen is contained within a large mound of stones with a drystone wall built over the top of it. The chamber still has a capstone but is drystone walled, about 5m long by 2 m wide. It has a very long entrance passageway which is slab lined, and about 7 metres in length, leading off towards the south west at about 235° again. This number keeps cropping up around these parts.
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205 |
189 |
| Carrières Dolmen |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Visited |
20th Sep 2005 |
3 |
2 |
4 |
Just outside the little town of Viols-le-Fort, to the west, take the road south towards the quarry. After 300 m the road either enters the quarry or goes around to the left. Park here. In the woods just to the right, beyond an old disused little quarry can be found the remains of this dolmen, with its massive backslab giving its position away. It is in a large mound of stones, and got lots of rubbish strewn about all over it.
The massive cham...Just outside the little town of Viols-le-Fort, to the west, take the road south towards the quarry. After 300 m the road either enters the quarry or goes around to the left. Park here. In the woods just to the right, beyond an old disused little quarry can be found the remains of this dolmen, with its massive backslab giving its position away. It is in a large mound of stones, and got lots of rubbish strewn about all over it.
The massive chamber is about 4 metres square, and apart from the 6 metre by 3 metre high backslab, is made using drystone vaulting. There seems to be an anti-chamber, 2m by 2m before an entry passageway opening west at about 250°, bu it is a bit of a mess at this end. There appears to be a ring of large slabs around the outside. Apart from all the junk, this would be a pretty impressive monument, and would be a prime contender for some sort of restoration.
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205 |
190 |
| Viols Musée de Préhistoire |
Museum |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Saw from a distance |
20th Sep 2005 |
|
|
|
Once a prehistory museum in the little town of Viols-le-Fort, but now closed with the building used for something else. The collection includes the statue menhir found at nearby prehistoric village of Truc de Marti. |
205 |
191 |
| Truc de Marti |
Ancient Village or Settlement |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Hérault (34) |
Saw from a distance |
20th Sep 2005 |
|
|
|
I went to have a look at this hilltop site, but time was getting on, and I could find no quick way up to the top of the hill, which has the remains of a prehistoric village and up to 9 burial chambers on it. I had a look, but could see nothing resembling a path at all, and the place was all very overgrown with rough scrub. I decided that I would probably get lost up there, so I headed off to find a campsite. |
205 |
192 |
| Mas Neuf menhir |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Couldn't find |
21st Sep 2005 |
|
|
|
I had a good look around for this menhir, but couldn't find anything. |
205 |
193 |
| Colline de Moulin Menhir |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Visited |
21st Sep 2005 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
From the cemetary to the south of Aubais, walk southwest up the little track to the ancient windmill, and after about 800 metres you arrive at the top of this windy little hill. Here, about 50 metres from the old windmill, has been re-erected the menhir, mended from several parts and mounted on a little plinth. It is only about 1.5 metres high, but has several legends associated with it. There are three circular cupules to be seen in the southern...From the cemetary to the south of Aubais, walk southwest up the little track to the ancient windmill, and after about 800 metres you arrive at the top of this windy little hill. Here, about 50 metres from the old windmill, has been re-erected the menhir, mended from several parts and mounted on a little plinth. It is only about 1.5 metres high, but has several legends associated with it. There are three circular cupules to be seen in the southern face.
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205 |
194 |
| Pierre Plantée (Congénies) |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Visited |
21st Sep 2005 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
Drive north from Aubais towards Congénies for about 1.5 km, and at the bend in the road there is a stoney track which heads off to the east. Take this track along the ridge for about 400 metres, and at a major junction of tracks, on the left, can be seen this menhir.
The stone is about 2.3 metres tall, 1.5 m wide at the base and 40cm thick, standing in amongst some very prickly undergrowth. On both faces are several carvings and engravings, f...Drive north from Aubais towards Congénies for about 1.5 km, and at the bend in the road there is a stoney track which heads off to the east. Take this track along the ridge for about 400 metres, and at a major junction of tracks, on the left, can be seen this menhir.
The stone is about 2.3 metres tall, 1.5 m wide at the base and 40cm thick, standing in amongst some very prickly undergrowth. On both faces are several carvings and engravings, from ancient to more modern graffitti. Amongst the ancient are several cupules and some crosses. There are also symbols which resemble letters or Greek symbols. A little offering of flowers had been placed into a crack in the stone when I visited, so obviously somebody still cares for this ancient stone.
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205 |
195 |
| Oppidum de Nages |
Ancient Village or Settlement |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Saw from a distance |
21st Sep 2005 |
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|
|
On the top of the hill to the north of Nages are the remains of an oppidum. This is a nice looking hill rising steeply from the plains, and with what looks to be a sculpted top. |
205 |
196 |
| Abri de la Salpetriere |
Cave or Rock Shelter |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Visited |
21st Sep 2005 |
2 |
4 |
4 |
Beside the river near to the Pont du Gard is a big cliff shelter, which has a sign on it saying it was used as a dwelling in the age of reindeer. Excavations were going on within, and it was all fenced off. |
205 |
197 |
| Le Pont du Gard |
Ancient Mine, Quarry or other Industry |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Visited |
21st Sep 2005 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Rive Gauche or Rive Droite? I went to the first one signed, Rive Droite. Probably better to have gone to the other side as that’s where all the information is. The Rive Droite side all got washed away in a storm on the 9th September 2002, when the river rose over 29 metres. They have pictures. Incredible.
What a lovely place. Fantastic bridge (used for over 500 years to supply water to the city of Nimes), lovely river and some splendid walk...Rive Gauche or Rive Droite? I went to the first one signed, Rive Droite. Probably better to have gone to the other side as that’s where all the information is. The Rive Droite side all got washed away in a storm on the 9th September 2002, when the river rose over 29 metres. They have pictures. Incredible.
What a lovely place. Fantastic bridge (used for over 500 years to supply water to the city of Nimes), lovely river and some splendid walks round signed footpaths which take you to various viewpoints and other bits of the ancient aqueduct system. Yes, you could spend ages here walking around, visiting the various museums etc (I didn't). Two and a half hours disappeared in no time and I was being quick. I'd best buy a book of pictures. Beautiful colours. Blue sky, golden bridge, green forested banks, shimmering green water and nearly white rocks.
Beautiful.
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205 |
198 |
| Hypogee du Castelet |
Passage Grave |
France |
Provence:Bouches-du-Rhône (13) |
Visited |
22nd Sep 2005 |
3 |
1 |
5 |
Beside the road between Arles and Fontvieille, this hypogae has a little signpost, from where the monument can be found in the bushes and marsh to the side of the road. It's unbearably mosquito infested and I couldn’t get away quick enough.
There is a trench carved into the rock, which is now filled with boggy water, and there is a nice entrance ramp down at the west end. It is probably about 20 metres long, 2 metres deep and up to 2 metres w...Beside the road between Arles and Fontvieille, this hypogae has a little signpost, from where the monument can be found in the bushes and marsh to the side of the road. It's unbearably mosquito infested and I couldn’t get away quick enough.
There is a trench carved into the rock, which is now filled with boggy water, and there is a nice entrance ramp down at the west end. It is probably about 20 metres long, 2 metres deep and up to 2 metres wide, and covered with large slabs. Just inside the trench is a carved entrance stone. I cant stay here any longer, I have got to get away, as I am being bitten to death.
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205 |
199 |
| La Grotte des Fées de Cordes |
Passage Grave |
France |
Provence:Bouches-du-Rhône (13) |
Couldn't find |
22nd Sep 2005 |
|
|
|
Also known as Le Palet De Roland, this monument is somewhere up on top of the Montagne des Cordes. The rock cut trench of this hypogae is the largest of the many around here, at 43 metres in length. Unfortunately, while I was looking, the entire hill seems to be very heavily fenced off, double fences and razor wire on top of one of them. They don't seem to want people here ! |
205 |
200 |
| Hypogée de Bonnias |
Passage Grave |
France |
Provence:Bouches-du-Rhône (13) |
Couldn't find |
22nd Sep 2005 |
|
|
|
I could find no way to this hypogae, as everywhere has lots of big high security fences. |
205 |
202 |
| Dolmen de la Mérindole |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Provence:Bouches-du-Rhône (13) |
Couldn't find |
22nd Sep 2005 |
|
|
|
I could not find this dolmen or hypogae, there are lots of private property signs all around, although not the big fences this time. |
205 |
203 |
| Mas Cadenet dolmen |
Passage Grave |
France |
Provence:Bouches-du-Rhône (13) |
Couldn't find |
22nd Sep 2005 |
|
|
|
I could not find this dolmen or hypogae, there are lots of private property signs all around, although not the big fences this time. |
205 |
204 |
| Barbegal Mill and Aquaduct |
Ancient Mine, Quarry or other Industry |
France |
Provence:Bouches-du-Rhône (13) |
Visited |
22nd Sep 2005 |
|
3 |
4 |
I found no dolmens, but did find some intriguing Roman remains. A double aquaduct leads south from the hills over the road and fields to another smaller rocky ridge which water channels are cut through to a big drop at the far side. I had no idea what this was until I found out much later that it was the Barbegal Mill complex, a massive flour mill from Roman times with a total of 16 waterwheels. I wish I had known at the time, but it was truly fa...I found no dolmens, but did find some intriguing Roman remains. A double aquaduct leads south from the hills over the road and fields to another smaller rocky ridge which water channels are cut through to a big drop at the far side. I had no idea what this was until I found out much later that it was the Barbegal Mill complex, a massive flour mill from Roman times with a total of 16 waterwheels. I wish I had known at the time, but it was truly fascinating.
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205 |
205 |
| Les Baux |
Ancient Village or Settlement |
France |
Provence:Bouches-du-Rhône (13) |
Visited |
22nd Sep 2005 |
|
|
|
Beautiful and intriguing old village clinging onto the sides of a steep and craggy limestone ridge, riddled with caves and quarries, and with a castle on top. |
205 |
206 |
| Glanum |
Ancient Village or Settlement |
France |
Provence:Bouches-du-Rhône (13) |
Visited |
22nd Sep 2005 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
Just outside St Remy-de-Provence is this ancient city, only discovered last century, and with ongoing excavations. The Roman city was built on top of a previous Hellenic (Greek) city dating from before 300BC, which in turn was built on an old Gallic living place and Oppidum. All the focus seemed to be on the water spring, and there are lots of temples around it. A very interesting place to have a look around. |
205 |
207 |
| Dolmen de la Pitchoune |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Provence:Vaucluse (84) |
Visited |
23rd Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
A few kilometres to the east of Ménerbes, along the D.103, and to the west of Lacost, the home of the chateau of the Marquis de Sade, can be found this dolmen which has its own signpost. It is right beside the road and below ground level, below an arched bridge type structure of the road.
The dolmen is now sort of built into the terraced hillside, but whether it was originally, or just that the local land has risen - perhaps due to the hills...A few kilometres to the east of Ménerbes, along the D.103, and to the west of Lacost, the home of the chateau of the Marquis de Sade, can be found this dolmen which has its own signpost. It is right beside the road and below ground level, below an arched bridge type structure of the road.
The dolmen is now sort of built into the terraced hillside, but whether it was originally, or just that the local land has risen - perhaps due to the hillside falling down - I do not know. The 4m by 3m chamber has a large backstone and two portal entry stones, but the sides are of vaulted drystone construction. It is tall enough to stand up inside the chamber below the single large capstone, the back of which is now within the hillside. Whether the whole thing was cut into the ground, or originally built above ground level with a cairn of stones I cannot tell. I assume it was above ground, but the level of soil around it has risen. The chamber looks to have remains of an entry passageway, which would open to the southwest, at about 235°, looking across the valley and up into the Luberon Hills.
The dolmen has at times been used as a storage shed, and with the road right besides, and the terraced land behind, I wouldn't be surprised if it has been much altered. I assume the bridge bit of the road has been built here to protect the dolmen by arching over the top.
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205 |
208 |
| La Pierre Bamboche 1 |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Visited |
24th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
This stone is easy to find, driving west along the D.112 towards Sanilhac, and after a couple of kilometres there it is, standing right beside the road at a corner. It stands at over 2 metres tall, but has been cemented back together from several pieces, the top having been broken off in the past. |
205 |
209 |
| La Pierre Bamboche 2 |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Visited |
24th Sep 2005 |
2 |
2 |
5 |
Nearby to the La Pierre Bamboche can be found the remains of another menhir, now fallen and broken. The remains can be found about 30 metres away, in the direction of Sanilhac. |
205 |
210 |
| Menhir le Bâton de Samson |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Visited |
24th Sep 2005 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
From the village of Ambruze, take the D.133 towards St Felix-de-Pailleres. After a kilometre or two up the hill, there is a turning to the left to Le Jouffre and Lotissement de Menhir. A couple of hundred metres down here, taking first the lower, left, road, then to the right, there is a little wooded area with a pathway entering. The menhir is in here, and about 4 metres tall, of a squarish cross section. It has some nice weathering on one of it...From the village of Ambruze, take the D.133 towards St Felix-de-Pailleres. After a kilometre or two up the hill, there is a turning to the left to Le Jouffre and Lotissement de Menhir. A couple of hundred metres down here, taking first the lower, left, road, then to the right, there is a little wooded area with a pathway entering. The menhir is in here, and about 4 metres tall, of a squarish cross section. It has some nice weathering on one of its sides, all full of holes.
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205 |
211 |
| Dolmen de Saint-Pierre 1 |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Couldn't find |
24th Sep 2005 |
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|
3 |
From the Col de St Pierre, several kilometres to the north of St Jean du Gard along the Corniche des Cevennes, take the PR11 footpath towards the summit of Roc St Pierre, and the orientation table. Along this path should be findable two dolmens. However, I walked all the way up the hill to the viewpoint, but found no dolmens. There are however, tremendous 360° views from the top though, and it is well worth the effort. |
205 |
212 |
| Saint-Pierre dolmen 2 |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Couldn't find |
24th Sep 2005 |
|
|
3 |
From the Col de St Pierre, several kilometres to the north of St Jean du Gard along the Corniche des Cevennes, take the PR11 footpath towards the summit of Roc St Pierre, and the orientation table. Along this path should be findable two dolmens. However, I walked all the way up the hill to the viewpoint, but found no dolmens. There are however, tremendous 360° views from the top though, and it is well worth the effort. |
205 |
213 |
| Rougeiresque menhir |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Gard (30) |
Visited |
24th Sep 2005 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
Travelling along the Corniche-des-Cévennes, stop at the point where the road from Gabriac joins from the north east. Just about opposite to this junction can be found a track up the other side of the road, signposted to the Schistes Cévenolles quarries. Walk up this track for about 500 metres, and just after the track splits at the top of the ridge, this nice menhir can be seen 50 metres in front of you, re-erected in a little stone and cement ba...Travelling along the Corniche-des-Cévennes, stop at the point where the road from Gabriac joins from the north east. Just about opposite to this junction can be found a track up the other side of the road, signposted to the Schistes Cévenolles quarries. Walk up this track for about 500 metres, and just after the track splits at the top of the ridge, this nice menhir can be seen 50 metres in front of you, re-erected in a little stone and cement base.
The menhir is about 3.5 metres tall, made of a nice piece of schist with a quartz vein through the middle. On the south facing side there are many cupules (I counted 15), while on the back face I counted 6. Some of these are quite large, and they mostly form a row up the right hand side of the stone as you look at it for both faces.
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205 |
214 |
| Bout-de-la-Côte Menhir |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Visited |
24th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
As the Corniche-des-Cévennes passes over the high point to the north of Pompidou, about 1040m high, there is stood to the side of the road this menhir. It stands about 2.3 metres tall and has in its time served as a gatepost, fencepost and snow marker beside the road. But it is still standing proud, with tremendous views all around, particularly towards the southeast. |
205 |
215 |
| Montjoie de la Can de l'Hospitalet D |
Marker Stone |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Visited |
24th Sep 2005 |
|
|
5 |
Seen while driving north along the Corniche-des-Cévennes road passing over the high ground to the north of Le Pompidou. |
205 |
216 |
| Montjoie de la Can de l'Hospitalet C |
Marker Stone |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Visited |
24th Sep 2005 |
|
|
5 |
Seen while driving north along the Corniche-des-Cévennes road passing over the high ground to the north of Le Pompidou. |
205 |
217 |
| Montjoie de la Can de l'Hospitalet A |
Marker Stone |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Visited |
24th Sep 2005 |
|
|
5 |
Seen while driving north along the Corniche-des-Cévennes road passing over the high ground to the north of Le Pompidou. |
205 |
218 |
| Menhir du Col de Solperiére |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Visited |
24th Sep 2005 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
At the north western end of the section of the Corniche-des-Cévennes along the high Causse near Le Hospitalet, where the road from Vebron joins at the Col de Solperière, can be found this menhir in the junction of the roads.
It stands about 2.3 metres high like its neighbour of a few kilometres distance, and has also been used as a road marker in the past, with some probable reshaping in the relatively recent past. Between these two stones, a...At the north western end of the section of the Corniche-des-Cévennes along the high Causse near Le Hospitalet, where the road from Vebron joins at the Col de Solperière, can be found this menhir in the junction of the roads.
It stands about 2.3 metres high like its neighbour of a few kilometres distance, and has also been used as a road marker in the past, with some probable reshaping in the relatively recent past. Between these two stones, along the roadside, are several other similar looking standing stones. Closer inspection however shows that they are much more recent, with quarrying marks etc, and are purely more modern road markers.
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205 |
219 |
| Menhirs du Col des Faïsses |
Standing Stones |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Saw from a distance |
24th Sep 2005 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
At the north western end of the section of the Corniche-des-Cévennes along the high Causse near Le Hospitalet, can be seen several other similar looking standing stones. |
205 |
220 |
| Montmirat menhirs |
Standing Stones |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Visited |
25th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
At the top of the Col de Montmirat, on the main road from Florac to Mende, can be found this menhir. It is just beside the road which goes west towards Montmirat hamlet, at an altitude of 1050m. About 2 metres tall, it has an iron cross mounted on top of it, and has also been used as a roadsign in the past. Supposedly it is the only survivor of a group of menhirs once here. |
205 |
221 |
| La Baraque de l'Estrade |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Visited |
25th Sep 2005 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
Further along the D.35 from Montmirat, just before the junction with the D.31, a decent sized tumulus can be seen in the fields on the left, about 80 metres from the road. The mound is oval, about 15m by 12m and up to 2 m high. In the centre of this is a sort of double dolmen, with two joined chambers, each having two side slabs and a capstone. The western of the two has a backstone, while the eastern has a drystone walled end. The total length o...Further along the D.35 from Montmirat, just before the junction with the D.31, a decent sized tumulus can be seen in the fields on the left, about 80 metres from the road. The mound is oval, about 15m by 12m and up to 2 m high. In the centre of this is a sort of double dolmen, with two joined chambers, each having two side slabs and a capstone. The western of the two has a backstone, while the eastern has a drystone walled end. The total length of the chamber is about 6 metres, and up to 2 metres wide at the centre. The floor to the chambers is paved, and there is not much more than a metre in height below the capstones. The two chambers do not align directly, but the general orientation is east to west, at about 100°, and the chambers are completely contained within the mound. This has of course been restored, but a very nice find.
Read More |
205 |
222 |
| Fraissinel Dolmen |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Couldn't find |
25th Sep 2005 |
|
|
|
I could find nowhere to park my campervan around here, so ended up turning round and going back, which was easier said than done! However, the menhir standing up on the top of its little hillock can be seen for miles around, and looks to be about 2.5 metres tall. |
205 |
223 |
| Menhir de Fraissinel |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Saw from a distance |
25th Sep 2005 |
|
|
|
I could find nowhere to park my campervan around here, so ended up turning round and going back, which was easier said than done! However, the menhir standing up on the top of its little hillock can be seen for miles around, and looks to be about 2.5 metres tall. |
205 |
224 |
| Menhir de la Borie 1 |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Visited |
25th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
Take the D.35 road east from the Col de Montmirat for about 3 kilometres. There on the left of the road is this small menhir, not much more than a metre in height. |
205 |
225 |
| Menhirs de la Fage A |
Standing Stones |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Couldn't find |
25th Sep 2005 |
|
|
4 |
Take the D.35 road east from the Col de Montmirat for just under 4 kilometres, and there is a signpost to menhirs down a footpath on the right. However, when I visited, this footpath takes you through a field of vicious looking cows, so I did not venture any further. Supposedly there are 15 small menhirs to be found in the woods, should you choose to go here. |
205 |
226 |
| Pierre des Trois Communes |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Visited |
25th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
Take the D.35 road east from the Col de Montmirat for about 4 kilometres, and there is a parking area and signs to menhirs. Walk up the track a few hundred metres and you get to the Pierre des Trois Communes. It stands two and a half metres tall, and has views all around. In the past it has been attempted to cut up the stone by quarrymen, and still has the scars. It is a shame, but the area of ground around it is very badly worn with vehicle mark...Take the D.35 road east from the Col de Montmirat for about 4 kilometres, and there is a parking area and signs to menhirs. Walk up the track a few hundred metres and you get to the Pierre des Trois Communes. It stands two and a half metres tall, and has views all around. In the past it has been attempted to cut up the stone by quarrymen, and still has the scars. It is a shame, but the area of ground around it is very badly worn with vehicle marks everywhere.
As I was passing this stone again on the way back from les Trois Pierres de Chabusse, in a rush to beat the thunderstorm back to the campervan, there was an amazing moment. I turned and patted the stone, and at the exact moment I touched it, there was a massive flash of lightning behind the stone. This was very spooky at the time.
Read More |
205 |
227 |
| Menhirs de la Fage B |
Standing Stones |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Visited |
25th Sep 2005 |
|
|
4 |
In the area around the Pierre des Trois Communes, can be seen dozens of menhirs, which are collectively known as the La Fage menhirs B, or the Combettes menhirs. It was impossible to visit them all in the short time I was here, so I will add the few that I did go to visit at first hand. |
205 |
228 |
| Menhir de la Fage B01 |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Visited |
25th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
A 1.3 metre tall menhir, with the top broken off and laying nearby. |
205 |
229 |
| Menhir de la Fage B02 |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Visited |
26th Apr 2010 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
A 1.6 metre tall menhir. |
205 |
230 |
| Menhir de la Fage B03 |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Visited |
25th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
A 1.5 metre tall menhir. |
205 |
231 |
| Menhir de la Fage B04 |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Visited |
25th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
A 1.5 metre tall menhir. |
205 |
232 |
| Menhir de la Fage B05 |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Visited |
25th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
A 1.4 metre tall menhir. |
205 |
233 |
| Menhir de la Fage B06 |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Visited |
25th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
A 1.4 metre tall menhir. |
205 |
234 |
| Menhir de la Fage B07 |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Visited |
25th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
A 1.6 metre tall menhir. |
205 |
235 |
| Menhir de la Fage B08 |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Visited |
25th Sep 2005 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
A 1.7 metre tall menhir, on the high hilltop further to the east than most. |
205 |
236 |
| Menhir de la Fage B09 |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Visited |
25th Sep 2005 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
A 2.0 metre tall menhir, with a pointed top, positioned at the top of the comb. |
205 |
237 |
| La Fage tumulus 1 |
Round Barrow(s) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Visited |
25th Sep 2005 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Amongst the La Fage B menhirs, is the remains of a tumulus and dolmen. What there is to see is not much more than a low round mound with a few slabs of stones sticking out of the top. There are probably others in the vicinity. |
205 |
238 |
| Combettes menhirs 1 |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Visited |
25th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
A 1.3 metre tall menhir. |
205 |
239 |
| Combettes menhirs 2 |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Visited |
25th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
A 1.5 metre tall menhir. |
205 |
240 |
| La Fage Dolmen |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Visited |
25th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
Half a kilometre along the ridgetop path running southwest from the La Fage B menhirs, is a 2 metre by 1 metre wide slab lined chamber within a mound of stones 12 metres in diameter, and now only 1 metre in height. There is no capstone, but it is in a superb position, not far from menhir K |
205 |
241 |
| Trois Pierres de Chabusse |
Stone Row / Alignment |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Visited |
25th Sep 2005 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
About a kilometre along the ridgetop path running southwest from the La Fage B menhirs, can be found three menhirs in a row, and there were probably once more here. All of the menhirs are over 2 metres in height, and the spacing is 5 metres and 28 metres between them.
It is time to scuttle off now, as there are big black clouds and a cold wind blowing over everything, and there is thunder in the air. I got back to the van just in time, as a m...About a kilometre along the ridgetop path running southwest from the La Fage B menhirs, can be found three menhirs in a row, and there were probably once more here. All of the menhirs are over 2 metres in height, and the spacing is 5 metres and 28 metres between them.
It is time to scuttle off now, as there are big black clouds and a cold wind blowing over everything, and there is thunder in the air. I got back to the van just in time, as a massive storm has been following me up the valley, with torrential rain down lower. Might avoid the rain up on top of the hills, but I doubt it..... Here it comes now.
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205 |
242 |
| Menhir de la Veissière (01) |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Visited |
25th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
Near to the D.35 road in the hamlet of La Vaissière itself is a menhir incorporated into a wall, which has a plaque and an inscription on it, commemorating two young girls who died up here in the winter snows. |
205 |
243 |
| Menhir de la Veissière (02) |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Visited |
25th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
Walking down the ridge in a small gap in the storms, I found two more menhirs before having to give up and return. This first menhir along the ridgetop track is about 2 metres tall, and about 100 metres from the road. |
205 |
244 |
| Menhir de la Veissière (03) |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Visited |
25th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
Walking down the ridge in a small gap in the storms, I found two more menhirs before having to give up and return. The second menhir along the ridgetop track is also about 2 metres tall, and about 150 metres from the road. |
205 |
245 |
| Vaissière Menhirs |
Standing Stones |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Visited |
25th Sep 2005 |
|
|
4 |
The Vaissière menhirs consist of more than forty menhirs, mostly found along the ridge running south from the D.35 road. The tallest of these menhirs is 5 metres in height. Some of these menhirs stand up really proudly against the skyline as you drive along. I would love to walk out among them, but not in this horrible stormy weather. There is much thunder, rain and lightning all around, with no signs of it clearing. |
205 |
246 |
| Menhirs dit de la Maisonnette 2 |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Saw from a distance |
25th Sep 2005 |
|
|
4 |
As I was driving past in the rain, I could see another hiltop covered in standing stones, where a possible cromlech has been identified here. |
205 |
247 |
| Baraque de l'Air Menhirs |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Saw from a distance |
25th Sep 2005 |
|
|
4 |
I drove for a look in the rain, I could see another hilltop covered in standing stones, where a possible cromlech has been identified. |
205 |
248 |
| Menhir de Colobrières 1 |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Languedoc-Roussillon:Lozère (48) |
Saw from a distance |
25th Sep 2005 |
|
|
|
The large Colobrières menhir can be seen on the skyline from the road across the top of the Bondons, near Vaissiere. The weather made me not go for the walk to visit it ! |
205 |
249 |
| Tombe du Capitaine |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Auvergne:Cantal (15) |
Visited |
26th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
In a field to the west of the hamlet of Bouzentes, a few kilometres to the south of St Flour, by the D.116 road to Tanavelle can be found this dolmen. It's about 800 metres walk down a signposted track from the road, just at the western edge of the hamlet, and was in a field of cows (and a bull I belatedly noticed) when I visited. The single capstone, with cupules and engraved lines, sits on top of two side supports amongst a pile of loose stone ...In a field to the west of the hamlet of Bouzentes, a few kilometres to the south of St Flour, by the D.116 road to Tanavelle can be found this dolmen. It's about 800 metres walk down a signposted track from the road, just at the western edge of the hamlet, and was in a field of cows (and a bull I belatedly noticed) when I visited. The single capstone, with cupules and engraved lines, sits on top of two side supports amongst a pile of loose stone in the middle of the field.
Uh Oh, time to go. The bull is getting quite inquisitive. Quick exit from the field over the fence, as far from Tauro as possible ! Well, I did have to come here, but I don't want it to become this Captain's tomb ! The dolmen is made from large basalt blocks, brought here from over a kilometre away. In excavations made in the 19th century, amongst the usual pottery sherds, flints and bones was found a polished axe. There are lovely big views all around from here.
Read More |
205 |
250 |
| Pierre Levée (Villedieu) |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Auvergne:Cantal (15) |
Visited |
26th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
Beside the D.44 road west of St Flour, near to the hamlet of Fraissinet can be found this megalithic collection of a standing stone and two dolmens, within 300 metres of each other. The menhir is about 2 metres tall, and it stands just to the west of the road. It consists of a nice lump of pointy topped basalt. |
205 |
251 |
| Pierre Levée dolmen 1 (Villedieu) |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Auvergne:Cantal (15) |
Visited |
26th Sep 2005 |
2 |
3 |
5 |
The remains of this dolmen can be found just to the east of the D.44 road, about 30 metres from the menhir. There is still quite a respectable mound of small stones, diameter about 12 metres, surrounding the remains of the dolmen, but the megalithic chamber has been largely destroyed, leaving not much more than a hollow in the centre of the tumulus. One large side slab and an entry stone are all that obviously remain in place. |
205 |
252 |
| Pierre Levée dolmen 2 (Villedieu) |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Auvergne:Cantal (15) |
Visited |
26th Sep 2005 |
2 |
4 |
3 |
Unfortunately, this cannot be reached from its near neighbours, and instead it has to be walked to quite a distance (about 1 km) from a point where you start the walk to the Tombe du Capitaine. It's a pleasant walk along a well signposted track, and then across a hilltop field.
The dolmen is in very poor condition, basically one large side slab in a hollow in the centre of its tumulus. However, the tumulus is in fine condition, about 15 metre...Unfortunately, this cannot be reached from its near neighbours, and instead it has to be walked to quite a distance (about 1 km) from a point where you start the walk to the Tombe du Capitaine. It's a pleasant walk along a well signposted track, and then across a hilltop field.
The dolmen is in very poor condition, basically one large side slab in a hollow in the centre of its tumulus. However, the tumulus is in fine condition, about 15 metres in diameter and up to 1.5 metres in height. Around the outside at certain places it seems to be encircled with a sort of stone slab walling. This is in a lovely spot, and was well worth the effort to get to. I wouldn't be surprised if there was once another dolmen in this mound.
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205 |
253 |
| Menhir de la Croix-Grosse |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Auvergne:Cantal (15) |
Visited |
26th Sep 2005 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
This christianised menhir stands just on the western outskirts of the village of Sériers, and is signposted from there as Menhir Christianisée, and is along the road to Peyrelade (no doubt once home to its own megalith). There is a large basalt carved cross sat on top of a superb column of christalline basalt, octagonal and well over 2 metres high. With its cross, it stands a good 3.5 metres tall. This really is a lovely monument, the basalt colu...This christianised menhir stands just on the western outskirts of the village of Sériers, and is signposted from there as Menhir Christianisée, and is along the road to Peyrelade (no doubt once home to its own megalith). There is a large basalt carved cross sat on top of a superb column of christalline basalt, octagonal and well over 2 metres high. With its cross, it stands a good 3.5 metres tall. This really is a lovely monument, the basalt column is perfectly upright, and always has been, its never been restored. Apparently the column must have been brought here from several kilometres away, so its obviously at a once very special place.
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205 |
254 |
| La Table au Loup |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Auvergne:Cantal (15) |
Visited |
26th Sep 2005 |
|
3 |
4 |
West of the village of Sériers, along the new D.990 road towards Pierrefort, about 500 metres from the junction with the D.921 is a sign for the dolmen. It is then about an 800 metre walk along a signposted gravel trackway across marshy land before you reach the dolmen, or as I found, a fenced off plastic sheeting covered area! The dolmen was undergoing excavation, and apart from a large side slab sticking up out of the middle, and obvious remain...West of the village of Sériers, along the new D.990 road towards Pierrefort, about 500 metres from the junction with the D.921 is a sign for the dolmen. It is then about an 800 metre walk along a signposted gravel trackway across marshy land before you reach the dolmen, or as I found, a fenced off plastic sheeting covered area! The dolmen was undergoing excavation, and apart from a large side slab sticking up out of the middle, and obvious remains of a mound, there was nothing I could see here.
Read More |
205 |
255 |
| Bargueyrac Menhir |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Auvergne:Cantal (15) |
Visited |
26th Sep 2005 |
3 |
3 |
5 |
About half a kilometre further west along the D.990 road can be found this little menhir, right beside the road and with a little sign. Its only about 1.3 metres tall basalt, and in the past has obviously had something stuck on top, probably a cross, due to the hole which can be seen drilled into it. |
205 |
256 |
| Bois-Grand Dolmen |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Auvergne:Cantal (15) |
Visited |
26th Sep 2005 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
Just to the south of the village of Les Ternes, the new D.921 road goes up a fairly steep hill. On the right, halfway up the hill is a little layby and picnic table, with a sign to this dolmen, which can then be found less than 50 metres up the trackway from the layby. It is right beside the road, and part of its mound of stones has been cut away. The dolmen has a large and thick capstone, 3.5 metres by 2.5 metres, sitting on top of a little cham...Just to the south of the village of Les Ternes, the new D.921 road goes up a fairly steep hill. On the right, halfway up the hill is a little layby and picnic table, with a sign to this dolmen, which can then be found less than 50 metres up the trackway from the layby. It is right beside the road, and part of its mound of stones has been cut away. The dolmen has a large and thick capstone, 3.5 metres by 2.5 metres, sitting on top of a little chamber, 2m by 1m, which has two side slabs and a back stone still nicely in place. The capstone looks much too large for the rest of the dolmen ! Around the dolmen are lots of loose basalt stones, obviously one a part of its cairn.
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205 |
257 |
| Dolmen du Chausse |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Auvergne:Cantal (15) |
Visited |
26th Sep 2005 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
Signposted as tumulus from the village of Mons, just to the east of junction 28 of the A.75 Autoroute near to St Flour. The trackway leads you back over the A.75 and then about another 300 metres. It is probably possible to drive to it, but I parked and walked.
The little dolmen is still mostly contained within its large cairn of stones, except that it has been dug into from the southern side. The cairn is about 16 metres in diameter and 2 me...Signposted as tumulus from the village of Mons, just to the east of junction 28 of the A.75 Autoroute near to St Flour. The trackway leads you back over the A.75 and then about another 300 metres. It is probably possible to drive to it, but I parked and walked.
The little dolmen is still mostly contained within its large cairn of stones, except that it has been dug into from the southern side. The cairn is about 16 metres in diameter and 2 metres high, made of loose small volcanic rocks. The dolmen has a capstone 3m by 2m sat on top of a chamber 2m by 1m, with two side slabs but no obvious backstone.
The chamber is full of rocks, and opens southwards with fine views, spoiled slightly by the A.75 motorway screaming past ! A nice place to visit, with lots of yellow mullens growing on and around. Apparently there are many legends attached to this tomb, but I am not sure what any of them are.
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205 |
258 |
| Plateau de Mons |
Barrow Cemetery |
France |
Auvergne:Cantal (15) |
Saw from a distance |
26th Sep 2005 |
|
|
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On top of the plateau is a large collection of earthen barrows dating to the iron age which can be seen from the track. |
205 |
259 |
| Pierre du Tombeau |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Auvergne:Puy-de-Dôme (63) |
Visited |
26th Sep 2005 |
4 |
2 |
5 |
Right in the middle of the village of Davayat, near to the traffic lights, this menhir resides in amongst the houses, and is half hidden in a garden yard. It is 4.8 metres high, leaning nicely, and is one of the biggest menhirs in the Auvergne region.
The menhir is perhaps lucky to survive right here between the houses, and in many respects perhaps owes its survival to it being seen as an important and sacred monument throughout history by th...Right in the middle of the village of Davayat, near to the traffic lights, this menhir resides in amongst the houses, and is half hidden in a garden yard. It is 4.8 metres high, leaning nicely, and is one of the biggest menhirs in the Auvergne region.
The menhir is perhaps lucky to survive right here between the houses, and in many respects perhaps owes its survival to it being seen as an important and sacred monument throughout history by the inhabitants of the village. There was once another large menhir nearby, but traces of this can no longer be found, it falling victim to agricultural "progress".
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205 |
260 |
| La Pierre Dolmen |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Centre:Indre (36) |
Visited |
27th Sep 2005 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
It was a bit of a struggle to find this, due to several of the roads being closed for some reason. However, take the D.23 road southwest from Moulins-sur-Céphons towards St Martin-de-Lamps. About midway between the two is the hamlet of La Pierre, and there are signs to the dolmen. It is about 800 metres walk from the road, round the back of the houses.
What I found is probably the remains of an Angevin dolmen with a large 6 m by 3 m chamber, ...It was a bit of a struggle to find this, due to several of the roads being closed for some reason. However, take the D.23 road southwest from Moulins-sur-Céphons towards St Martin-de-Lamps. About midway between the two is the hamlet of La Pierre, and there are signs to the dolmen. It is about 800 metres walk from the road, round the back of the houses.
What I found is probably the remains of an Angevin dolmen with a large 6 m by 3 m chamber, made with a single backstone, two sidestones each side with two capstones, the rear one in place, the forward one broken and fallen into the chamber. There are signs of an entry portal, now all a bit broken. Some of the stones are massive thick chunks, not nice slim slabs.
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205 |
261 |
| La Pierre cromlech |
Stone Circle |
France |
Centre:Indre (36) |
Couldn't find |
27th Sep 2005 |
|
|
|
While at the La Pierre dolmen, I could find no signs of any cromlech. Perhaps the form of the sideslabs of the dolmen was enough for this to once be thought of as a cromlech ? |
205 |
262 |
| Les Chateliers |
Ancient Village or Settlement |
France |
Centre:Indre (36) |
Saw from a distance |
27th Sep 2005 |
|
|
|
At the village of Moulins-sur-Céphons is a reconstruction of an ancient Gallic village. I did not visit. |
205 |
263 |
| Pierre Levée (Liniez) |
Passage Grave |
France |
Centre:Indre (36) |
Visited |
27th Sep 2005 |
4 |
3 |
5 |
Just outside the village of Liniez, along the D.926 road towards Vatan, and to the right of the road can be seen the remains of this allée couverte. It was probably an Angevin type allée couverte, but there are no obvious remains of the porchway. The remains of the chamber are 10 metres long by 4 metres wide, and it was probably covered by four capstones, of which three remain in various positions, from still in place at the back end, sloping in ...Just outside the village of Liniez, along the D.926 road towards Vatan, and to the right of the road can be seen the remains of this allée couverte. It was probably an Angevin type allée couverte, but there are no obvious remains of the porchway. The remains of the chamber are 10 metres long by 4 metres wide, and it was probably covered by four capstones, of which three remain in various positions, from still in place at the back end, sloping in the middle and flat on the ground at the front. Several side slabs remain, as does the backslab, and there is evidence of a possible internal partition, although it could be bits of broken capstone. The back cell of the chamber is still all nicely erect, making this a pleasant monument to visit. It is all orientated towards the east at 070°.
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205 |
264 |
| Liniez Tumulus elliptique |
Chambered Tomb |
France |
Centre:Indre (36) |
Saw from a distance |
27th Sep 2005 |
|
|
|
Just outside the village of Liniez, along the D.926 road towards Vatan, and to the left of the road about a kilometre beyond the dolmen is the remains of a large tumulus. I found it difficult to stop here, and there was lots of fenced off land and woodland, so I didn't get to see this directly. |
205 |
265 |
| La Pierre Levée (Graçay) |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Centre:Cher (18) |
Saw from a distance |
27th Sep 2005 |
|
|
|
Just to the south of the D.68 road between Graçay and Nohant-en-Graçay, near to the hamlet of Les Villaines can be seen the remains of this dolmen, about 100 metres from the road in a field. When I was here, the field had been recently planted, so I did not venture any nearer to the dolmen. It was hard to make out any details, but one capstone can be seen to be still raised above the ground on its supports. |
205 |
266 |
| Tréfoux deux menhirs |
Standing Stones |
France |
Centre:Indre (36) |
Visited |
27th Sep 2005 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
Marked on my ign map to the southeast of Bagneux are menhirs. Driving along the little road that passes them is lots of what looks like natural stone outcropping, and perhaps the remains of a dolmen. However, near to a corner in the road are two standing rocks, which are clearly not naturally like that. One is about 1 metre tall, the other about 1.2 metres tall. Around them are many more rocks. It is not difficult to see what is perhaps an alignm...Marked on my ign map to the southeast of Bagneux are menhirs. Driving along the little road that passes them is lots of what looks like natural stone outcropping, and perhaps the remains of a dolmen. However, near to a corner in the road are two standing rocks, which are clearly not naturally like that. One is about 1 metre tall, the other about 1.2 metres tall. Around them are many more rocks. It is not difficult to see what is perhaps an alignment of 5 or 6 rocks with others fallen. Or perhaps it is the remains of an allée couverte type structure. I am not sure exactly what is going on here, but it is a nice spot in the forest. A bit further along the road to the west is what seems to be the remains of another fallen menhir or two.
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205 |
267 |
| Pierre Levée de Boisy |
Standing Stone (Menhir) |
France |
Centre:Indre (36) |
Couldn't find |
27th Sep 2005 |
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The village of Bagneux has a signposted footpath of length 5.5 km which takes in three megalithic sites. One of these sites is this menhir. I didn't have time to do the full walk, and without a detailed map, and no obvious signs to the menhir, I didn't really know where to look. I have since found this menhir marked on a detailed map, and it would have perhaps been a fairly simple few hundred metres walk from the Bellevue farm. |
205 |
268 |
| Pierre Couverte de Bué |
Burial Chamber or Dolmen |
France |
Centre:Indre (36) |
Visited |
27th Sep 2005 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
A couple of kilometres to the southeast of the village of Bagneux near to the hamlet of Bué, can be found this dolmen in a lovely situation in the forest. The dolmen is well signposted from all around, and from a parking place at Bué it is about 400 metres walk. The large capstone, 6m by 4m sits on top of a chamber 5m by 3m. It has a backstone and six sidestones in various positions of uprightness. The capstone is between 1 and 1.5 metres above t...A couple of kilometres to the southeast of the village of Bagneux near to the hamlet of Bué, can be found this dolmen in a lovely situation in the forest. The dolmen is well signposted from all around, and from a parking place at Bué it is about 400 metres walk. The large capstone, 6m by 4m sits on top of a chamber 5m by 3m. It has a backstone and six sidestones in various positions of uprightness. The capstone is between 1 and 1.5 metres above the ground.
It has got its own bench nearby on which to sit and contemplate, with falling acorns a hazard, and a woodpecker pecking away amongst other things. This really is a lovely spot, and so gets a 5 for ambience.
I will make this my last megalithic site on my 6 months trip round France, it really is a nice place to finish on, and an unexpected dolmen at that.
It is now 2:30pm, and I really ought to be getting on driving back towards my sister's. Romorantin, Blois (roadworks), Vendome (Roadworks, big crane, school traffic), St-Calais (terrible traffic), Le Mans (rain, traffic jams), Alencon (slow traffic), Argentan, Flers (dug up, closed roads, diversions within diversions). It takes forever to find Vire, now in the complete dark, St-Lo (more diversions) and finally back to Sara's at about 9:30pm. I was amazed I didn't get tired or dozy at all while driving. Parked with 117630 km on the clock, 545 for today. Sausages and eggs (yummy), large beer, then to bed after seeing a depressing news on the telly. I've not missed missing all the bad news from around the world while away in my campervan.
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