Alignements de Carnac Travel Guide

The Alignements de Carnac, located in the Morbihan department of Brittany, France, represent one of the most significant megalithic sites in the world. This sprawling complex comprises several distinct groups of standing stones (menhirs), stretching for nearly 4 kilometers. The stones were erected during the Neolithic period, likely between the 5th and 3rd millennia BC.The main sites are Le Ménec, Kermario, Kerlescan, and Petit Ménec. Le Ménec is the westernmost group, featuring the Maison des Mégalithes, an excellent starting point for exploration. Kermario, to the east, boasts impressive rows of stones extending towards the horizon. Kerlescan is a smaller, yet well-preserved, site with a distinct stone circle at its western end. Petit Ménec, also known as the Tumulus of Kercado, is a burial mound topped with a large cairn.The purpose of the Carnac stones remains a mystery, with numerous theories attempting to explain their existence. Some believe they served as religious monuments, while others suggest they functioned as an elaborate astronomical calendar. Local legends even claim the stones are a Roman army petrified by Merlin. Regardless of their original intent, the Alignements de Carnac stand as a testament to the ingenuity and cultural practices of Neolithic peoples, inviting contemplation and inspiring awe.