Les Pierres Droites, the largest megalithic site in Argoat
The megalithic site of Pierres Droites (Standing Stones) was discovered in 1986 and is the largest in Argoat, as the hinterland of Brittany is known. This remarkable archaeological site is located within the Landes de Monteneuf Regional Natural Park, on the outskirts of the town of Monteneuf, in the southern part of the Forêt de Brocéliande.
The Pierres Droites site comprises forty menhirs made of purple schist. They were carved approximately 6,500 years ago during the Neolithic period.
However, these ancient monuments were destroyed in the 10th century, during the final stages of the Christianization of France. Only three menhirs remained, standing by the roadside.
Fortunately, excavations carried out between 1986 and 1996 revealed that most of the pits and packing stones had remained intact in their original positions.
Archaeologists were thus able to meticulously reassemble the menhirs, placing them back in their original positions, in parallel rows, amongst the heath-land and coniferous groves.
The largest megalith on the site is 5 metres high and weighs an impressive 38 tons!
The Pierres Droites site was listed as a historical monument in 1997.
Circuit des Mégalithes des Landes de Monteneuf
The methods used by these distant ancestors to transport and erect the megaliths of the Pierres Droitesremain a mystery. Could this be the result of some form of ancient magic? Speculation is rife!
The L’Archéosite de Monteneuf (Monteneuf Archaeological Site – visitors centre) offers interactive, fun workshops designed to introduce children (and adults!) to the joys of archaeology. Even better, access to the Standing Stones is free all year-round.
For archaeology enthusiasts, the Circuit des Mégalithes des Landes de Monteneuf (Circuit of the Megaliths of the Landes de Monteneuf) is a magnificent 14 km hiking trail. It leads to the discovery of other local sites, including menhirs and covered tombs, scattered in the heart of the moors, woods and countryside.
So, with time, perseverance and who knows, maybe a touch of magic, you will discover the countless archaeological treasures and legendary sites that lie dormant in the heart of the Brocéliande Forest, the domain of Merlin the wizard and Vivian the Fairy.
Discover the magical Forêt de Brocéliande other sites
Tombeau de Merlin, Fontaine de Jouvence, Chêne des Hindrés, Château de Comper, Chêne d’Eon or Chêne à Guillotin, Fontaine de Barenton, Jardin aux Moines, Eglise du Graal in Tréhorenteuc, Miroir aux Fées and Arbre d’Or in the Val Sans Retour, Hostié de Viviane or Tombeau des Druides, Tombeau des Géants ou Roche à la Vieille, Abbey of Paimpont, Forges de Paimpont
Department of Morbihan
Directions: Along the D776 between Guer and Monteneuf
Coordinates Pierres Droites – Monteneuf: Lat 47.882275 – Long -2.186054
