Locmariaquer megaliths Archaeological Site

Address: Locmariaquer, 56740 Locmariaquer, Morbihan, France

Website: https://www.locmariaquer.fr

Hours: Outdoor sites open year‑round

Admission: Free (outdoor megalithic sites)

The Locmariaquer megaliths are a cluster of Neolithic monuments on the Atlantic coast at Locmariaquer in Brittany, France. The complex includes large menhirs, dolmens and burial mounds that date to the Neolithic period.

Key elements include the Grand Menhir Brisé, a formerly upright menhir that measured about 20.6 metres before it broke, and the Table des Marchands, a large dolmen with a decorated capstone. The nearby tumulus and associated passage graves form part of the same ritual landscape and are visible across the headland.

These monuments were constructed during the Neolithic and collectively illustrate large-scale prehistoric ritual and burial architecture in northwest Europe. Archaeological study and conservation have focused on the stones, decorated surfaces and the archaeological deposits associated with the burial mounds.

The megaliths lie on the coast of Morbihan in Brittany, close to the village of Locmariaquer and the Gulf of Morbihan, where the low headland preserves these well-known prehistoric remains.

• Largest menhir: The site contains the Grand Menhir Brisé, once the largest single standing stone in Europe at about 20.6 metres before it collapsed.
• Period: The monuments date to the Neolithic period and form part of a concentrated group of passage graves, dolmens and menhirs at the Locmariaquer headland.

What to See#

• Grand Menhir Brisé: Originally a single upright menhir estimated at about 20.6 metres in length, now broken into several fragments that lie near the original setting.
• Table des Marchands: A large covered burial chamber and dolmen notable for its decorated capstone and internal structure, interpreted as a passage grave and ritual monument.
• Er-Grah tumulus: A substantial Neolithic tumulus that once covered a passage grave and remains visible as an elongated mound close to the other monuments.

By car: The Locmariaquer megaliths are in the small town of Locmariaquer on the Morbihan coast of Brittany. Drive from Auray or Vannes via the D781/D101 local roads; there is tourist parking in Locmariaquer and the main sites are a short walk (typically under 10 minutes) from the village.

By public transport: the nearest major rail station is Auray (TGV/TER). From Auray you can reach Locmariaquer by regional bus or taxi; once in the village the monuments are within easy walking distance.

• Begin at the local visitor centre or the marked parking area to orient yourself before driving between dispersed monuments-Locmariaquer's megaliths are spread out and require short drives or walks.
• Go early in the morning or outside July-August to avoid coach-group peaks; the Grand Menhir Brisé and the Table des Marchand are far less crowded at dawn.
• Follow the on-site signage and short walking trails so you don't miss smaller nearby features-the phasing of monuments is best understood in sequence rather than as isolated stones.