Mané-Meur Recumbent Menhir: Complete Visitor Guide to Quiberon’s Megalithic Heritage
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction
Nestled on the windswept Quiberon Peninsula in Brittany, France, the Mané-Meur Recumbent Menhir stands as a powerful testament to Neolithic ingenuity and spirituality. Dating back to approximately 4500–2500 BCE, this remarkable monument is among the many megalithic sites that define the Morbihan region—an area renowned for its dense concentration of standing stones, dolmens, and burial mounds. What sets the Mané-Meur site apart is its unique recumbent (horizontal) stone, a feature that has sparked ongoing debate among scholars about its original meaning and purpose.
This comprehensive guide covers the historical and archaeological background of the Mané-Meur Recumbent Menhir, its cultural significance, practical visitor information (including hours, ticketing, and accessibility), and tips on exploring the wider megalithic landscape of Quiberon. Whether you are a history buff, a cultural traveler, or simply curious about Brittany’s ancient past, this guide will equip you with the insights and resources needed to make the most of your visit (Bretagne Côte de Granit Rose; Brittany Tourism; Wikipedia).
Historical and Archaeological Context
Origins and Construction
The Mané-Meur menhirs are emblematic of Brittany’s Neolithic period, a time marked by the emergence of complex societies capable of building monumental stone structures. These menhirs—three in total—were likely erected between 4500 and 2500 BCE. The largest, Menhir No. 1, measures 3.40 meters in height and features sixteen cupules (small carved depressions), which hint at ritualistic practices or astronomical observations. The two other menhirs are situated about 250 meters to the west and may have originally formed part of a larger alignment, a common pattern in Breton megalithism (Wikiwand; Wikipedia).
The stones were quarried locally and transported via human labor, likely with the use of wooden rollers. Their placement on high ground overlooking the coast suggests both ceremonial significance and a functional role as landmarks (The Modern Antiquarian).
Archaeological Discoveries
Excavations at Mané-Meur have revealed not only the three menhirs but also remnants of a cairn and two dolmens, indicating the site’s use as a focal point for both ritual and burial activities. The cupules on Menhir No. 1 are significant, as similar markings have been found on other Breton megaliths and are often interpreted as symbols of fertility, cosmology, or ceremonial use. Recent research and preventive archaeological operations (2016–2019) have enriched our understanding of the site’s complexity (Wikiwand).
Broader Megalithic Landscape
The Mané-Meur menhirs are part of a dense network of prehistoric monuments across Morbihan, including the world-famous Carnac alignments and the Grand Menhir Brisé. This region contains over 6,000 menhirs and more than 1,000 dolmens, making it one of the most significant megalithic landscapes in Europe (France.fr).
Cultural Significance and Interpretations
Symbolism and Function
The function of the Mané-Meur menhirs, like many megalithic monuments, is still subject to scholarly debate. They may have served as ceremonial gateways, territorial markers, or sites of astronomical observation. The recumbent form of the principal menhir could symbolize the earth, a celestial body, or a resting ancestor—integrating the monument into the spiritual worldview of Neolithic communities (France.fr).
Local Folklore
Breton legends surrounding the menhirs often feature giants or supernatural beings credited with their construction. These stories have contributed to the stones’ enduring mystique and their role in shaping regional identity (Brittany Tourism).
Conservation and Heritage Status
The Mané-Meur Recumbent Menhir has been protected as a “Monument Historique” since 1931, ensuring its preservation under French law (Monumentum). Conservation efforts focus on preventing erosion, managing vegetation, and monitoring visitor impact. Visitors are urged to respect protective measures to help safeguard the monument for future generations.
Visiting the Mané-Meur Menhirs: Practical Information
Location
- Address: Near 10 Rue des Albatros, 56170 Quiberon, France (Monumentum)
- Access: Easily reachable by car, bicycle, or on foot from Quiberon town center. GPS coordinates are available via mapping apps.
Visiting Hours
- Site Access: Open year-round, 24 hours a day, as it is an outdoor monument on public land.
- Recommended Visit: During daylight for safety and best photographic conditions.
Tickets and Entrance Fees
- Admission: Free of charge. No tickets required.
Accessibility
- Terrain: The approach is generally flat but uneven in places—sturdy footwear is advised.
- Mobility: Some paved paths are nearby, but the immediate area around the menhir may be challenging for those with limited mobility.
- Facilities: No on-site facilities; restrooms and cafés are available in Quiberon town.
Visitor Tips
- Early morning or late afternoon visits provide ideal lighting and a tranquil atmosphere.
- Limited on-site signage: consider downloading a digital guide or using the Audiala app for enhanced interpretation.
- Please avoid climbing or touching the stone to prevent wear.
Exploring Quiberon’s Megalithic Sites
Other Notable Monuments
- Dolmen du Conguel: A Neolithic burial chamber at the peninsula’s tip with panoramic ocean views (Commune-Mairie.fr).
- Allée Couverte de la Pointe-de-Guéritte: An accessible covered passage grave along the coast (Visorando).
- Menhir de la Pointe-de-Guéritte, Menhir de Goulvarc’h: Standalone stones that add to the peninsula’s rich prehistoric landscape.
Walking and Cycling Routes
Several marked trails connect the menhirs, dolmens, and coastal viewpoints, including the “Boucle de Quiberon” and “Circuit de la Mer.” Detailed maps are available at the Maison du Patrimoine and online (Ville de Quiberon; Visorando).
Maison du Patrimoine
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (April–October), reduced hours in winter.
- Services: Guided tours, maps, exhibitions, and educational workshops. Some programs require advance booking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the visiting hours for the Mané-Meur Recumbent Menhir?
A: The monument is open year-round, with no formal hours. Daylight visits are recommended.
Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: No, the site is free and open to all.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Guided tours may be booked through the Maison du Patrimoine or local tourism offices.
Q: Is the site accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Access is possible via paved paths nearby, but the immediate area around the stone is uneven.
Q: Are there other megalithic sites to visit in Quiberon?
A: Yes, the peninsula is rich with menhirs, dolmens, and scenic trails connecting these sites.
Visual Resources and Planning Tools
- Photos: Search for “Mané-Meur menhirs Quiberon” for rich visuals of the site and its coastal backdrop.
- Maps: Download walking and cycling routes from tourism websites or the Audiala app.
- Virtual Tours: Some local tourism sites offer interactive experiences to preview the monuments (Ville de Quiberon).
Conservation and Visitor Responsibility
Help preserve this exceptional site by:
- Not climbing or touching the menhir.
- Avoiding littering and disturbing the surrounding environment.
- Respecting any protective signage or barriers.
Summary and Visitor Recommendations
The Mané-Meur Recumbent Menhir is a unique portal to Brittany’s Neolithic past, blending archaeological intrigue with the beauty of the Quiberon Peninsula. Its accessibility, lack of entrance fees, and integration within a landscape dotted with ancient monuments make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, or scenic exploration. Combine your visit with walks along the Côte Sauvage, stops at other menhirs and dolmens, and a taste of Quiberon’s vibrant local culture.
For further resources, guided tours, and interactive maps, download the Audiala app or consult local tourism offices. Explore more about the broader megalithic region by visiting related sites such as the Carnac alignments and Locmariaquer megaliths.
Sources and Further Reading
- Mané-Meur Menhirs in Quiberon: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Insights, 2024, (Bretagne Côte de Granit Rose)
- Archaeological Context of the Mané-Meur Recumbent Menhir, 2024, (Brittany Tourism)
- Mané-Meur Recumbent Menhir: Visiting Hours, Tickets & Guide to Quiberon’s Historic Site, 2024, (Monumentum)
- Exploring Quiberon’s Megalithic Sites: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Walking Tours, 2024, (Ville de Quiberon)
- Hide and Seek Among Brittany Megaliths, 2024, (France.fr)
- Menhirs de Mané-Meur, 2024, (Wikiwand)
- Menhirs de Mané-Meur, 2024, (The Modern Antiquarian)
