Dolmen de Martignes
The Dolmen de Martignes is, along with the Dolmen du Cloup de Coutze, one of twelve dolmens recorded in the commune of Beduer.
The municipality of Bedeuer is a typical Quercy village located along the Via Podiensis, one of the sections of the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago). It once prospered by providing lodging and food to weary pilgrims returning from the nearby Figeac Abbey.
Located approximately 4 kilometres from the village of Beduer, the Dolmen de Martignes stands in a clearing near a crossroads, about 300 metres from the road connecting Figeac to the bastide of Cajarc.
Oriented towards the east, in accordance with the general orientation of dolmens, it still retains its two supporting slabs, as well as its closing and capstones. However, time has taken its toll, as they are slightly tilted following the partial subsidence of the support slabs.
Dolmen du Cloup de Coutze
The Dolmen du Cloup de Coutze stands on the slope of a chasm, called “cloup” in Occitan, whose shape resembles that of a gourd or “coutzo.”
This circular tumulus was initially built with rough stones, but its structure deteriorated rapidly over time, and encroaching vegetation further compromised its internal integrity.
The burial chamber, characterised by a trapezoidal shape and an entrance narrower than the back, presents an intriguing architectural feature. Archaeologists indeed do not know if this dolmen was ever covered with a capstone, as no trace of one remains.
However, the presence of two supporting slabs, still embedded in small channels, as well as other observed features, suggests that this dolmen may have served as a passage grave.
Despite past looting, a fate sadly shared by many ancient sites before the implementation of protective measures, the excavations carried out in 1968 yielded significant discoveries. Among these were the poorly preserved remains of a dozen individuals. However, the funerary offerings that accompanied them provided valuable information about ancient customs: animal bones, 51 ring beads, 2 cylindrical calcite beads, a shiny black lignite stone, and fragments of coarse pottery.
Department of Lot – Dolmen de Martignes and Dolmen de Coutze
Coordinates: Lat 44.569461 – Long 1.908482
