Centre des monuments nationaux

Discover the Carnac alignments near the Morbihan Gulf. Explore the largest group of Megaliths of its sort in the world, and a key place in European prehistory.

Visiting the Carnac alignments 

• Over 2800 menhirs. They were erected around 4500 BC on a 40-hectare site that is 4 kilometres in length, and their organisation follows an architectural plan. These sites can be visited as you please in winter, and are open for guided tours in summer to ensure that they are properly conserved whilst work is carried out setting up themed pedestrian and cycle paths.

• A reception and information centre to discover. Find out all about the site at the Le Ménec Maison des Mégalithes (model, photos and so on).

Understanding the Carnac alignments 

• Among the first sites to be protected by the State. The scientific approach of Prosper Mérimée, the Inspector for Historic Monuments, led the State to pursue a policy of acquiring and preserving megaliths from 1830 onwards. During the 21st century the sites have undergone restoration and development work. 

• Neolithic temples. Recent studies have linked the history of these sites to changes occurring in the Neolithic period, when communities started to become sedentary. The lines of menhirs mark the way towards enclosures, spaces which were held to be sacred. The dolmens had a funerary function.