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Tumulus Of Beg En Aud

Saint Pierre Quiberon, France

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Tumulus of Beg-en-Aud Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide — Saint-Pierre-Quiberon Historical Sites

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Set on the windswept Quiberon Peninsula in Brittany, France, the Tumulus of Beg-en-Aud stands as one of the region’s most evocative Neolithic landmarks. Dating from approximately 4500–2000 BCE, this burial mound is not only a testament to ancient funerary practices but also an enduring symbol of Brittany’s megalithic legacy—a landscape that includes world-renowned sites like Carnac and Locmariaquer. The tumulus, which later saw use as an Iron Age fortification, offers rich opportunities for visitors to explore both prehistoric mysteries and the breathtaking natural environment of the Atlantic coast.

This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know to plan a respectful and memorable visit, including practical details on access, visiting hours, transportation, accessibility, conservation, and nearby attractions. For authoritative information, consult resources such as the Monument Historique database and the Saint-Pierre-Quiberon Tourist Office.

Contents

Discover the Tumulus of Beg-en-Aud: A Historical Overview

The Tumulus of Beg-en-Aud is a striking Neolithic burial mound located on a coastal promontory northwest of Saint-Pierre-Quiberon. Measuring approximately 25 meters in length and 2 meters high, the site was originally constructed as a collective burial chamber, later repurposed with Iron Age defensive earthworks. The tumulus forms part of a dense network of prehistoric monuments in Morbihan, making the peninsula a key region for understanding Brittany’s ancient past. Its prominent coastal position not only marked territory and ancestry for prehistoric communities but also remains a visible symbol of local heritage today.

Archaeological and Cultural Significance

The Tumulus Tradition in Brittany

Brittany is renowned for its dense concentration of megalithic monuments—dolmens, menhirs, and tumuli—that date back to the Neolithic era (Brittany Tourism). Tumuli like Beg-en-Aud served as communal burial sites, constructed from earth and stone using significant collective effort. Their enduring presence speaks to the social organization and ritual complexity of early Breton societies.

Age, Construction, and Funerary Role

The Tumulus of Beg-en-Aud dates to circa 4500–3500 BCE. Typical of Neolithic tumuli, it contains a stone-lined burial chamber, with archaeological finds including pottery fragments, flint tools, and ornaments—evidence of ritual burial and beliefs in an afterlife (Musée du Patrimoine). During the Iron Age, the site was further fortified, highlighting its sustained significance across millennia.

Landscape Integration and Symbolism

Strategically positioned on a coastal headland, the tumulus would have served as both a territorial marker and a spiritual focal point for its community. Its placement in the landscape reflects the Neolithic builders’ desire to create lasting monuments visible from land and sea, reinforcing communal identity and ancestral presence.

Connections to Other Sites and Periods

Beg-en-Aud is part of a wider megalithic complex that includes the Carnac alignments, Locmariaquer megaliths, and other local tumuli such as Mané-Becker-Noz (Infobretagne). Nearby, an Iron Age fort (“camp Vénète de Beg-en-Aud”) attests to the ongoing importance of the site in later historical periods (Aremorica Journal).

Visiting Information

Hours, Admission, and Accessibility

  • Opening Hours: The tumulus is accessible year-round and open 24/7 as an outdoor site. Daytime visits are recommended for safety and preservation.
  • Admission: Entry is free; no tickets are required.
  • Accessibility: The approach involves natural trails and uneven ground. The site is not wheelchair accessible; visitors with mobility challenges should plan accordingly.

Directions and Transportation

  • By Car: Accessible via the D768 coastal road; parking is available in Saint-Pierre-Quiberon.
  • By Train: TER Bretagne services connect Auray to Saint-Pierre-Quiberon, with additional seasonal trains in summer (SNCF TER Bretagne).
  • By Public Transport: Bus connections are available from Auray and Quiberon.
  • On Foot/Bicycle: The GR®34 coastal trail passes by the site (Brittany Tourism); bicycles can be rented locally.

Facilities and Nearby Amenities

  • The site itself has no visitor center, restrooms, or shops. Public amenities, restaurants, and shops are available in Saint-Pierre-Quiberon.
  • Plage de Kerbourgnec, a family-friendly beach, is within walking distance.

Guided Tours and Educational Resources

  • There are no regular guided tours at the tumulus itself, but the local tourist office occasionally organizes heritage walks covering Beg-en-Aud and nearby sites.
  • The Musée de la Préhistoire in Carnac (10 km away) offers exhibits and educational sessions on Brittany’s prehistory.

Conservation and Responsible Tourism

Heritage Protection and Preservation

The Tumulus of Beg-en-Aud is classified as a Monument Historique, ensuring its legal protection (French Ministry of Culture). Conservation efforts focus on minimizing erosion, managing vegetation, and monitoring visitor impact, sometimes using non-invasive technologies like ground-penetrating radar (INRAP).

Environmental and Community Engagement

Visitors are urged to respect the site by:

  • Staying on designated paths
  • Not climbing or removing stones/vegetation
  • Disposing of litter responsibly
  • Keeping dogs leashed and under control

Local organizations, schools, and municipalities organize educational events and site clean-ups to foster stewardship and awareness.

Nearby Attractions and Activities

Enhance your visit by exploring:

  • Alignments of Carnac: Over 3,000 standing stones arranged in rows, about 10 km away (ville-data.com)
  • Locmariaquer Megaliths: Notable for the Grand Menhir Brisé and Table des Marchands, 15 km from the tumulus
  • Dolmen de Roc-en-Aud and Mané-Becker-Noz: Other significant local tumuli
  • Fort Penthièvre: An 18th-century fort with panoramic views at the peninsula’s narrowest point
  • Beaches and GR®34 Trail: Ideal for hiking, cycling, and enjoying Brittany’s natural beauty

Practical Tips for Visitors

  • Best Time: May–September for mild weather and local events; early morning or late afternoon for quieter visits and ideal photography
  • What to Bring: Sturdy shoes, water, sun/rain protection, and a camera
  • Accessibility: The site is not suitable for wheelchairs; contact the local tourist office for accessibility advice
  • Etiquette: Follow posted guidelines; report any damage to authorities
  • Combine Your Visit: Plan to see nearby megalithic sites, beaches, and museums for a full experience

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: The tumulus is open year-round, 24 hours a day. Daytime visits are recommended.

Q: Is there an entrance fee or need for tickets?
A: No, visits are free and unticketed.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Occasional heritage walks may include the tumulus; check with the tourist office for current offerings.

Q: Is photography or drone use allowed?
A: Photography is permitted; drones are generally restricted due to conservation and privacy concerns.

Q: Is the site suitable for children and families?
A: Yes, though supervision is required due to uneven terrain.

Q: What nearby sites are recommended?
A: Carnac, Locmariaquer, Fort Penthièvre, and local beaches.

Visuals and Media

High-quality images of the tumulus, with alt text such as “Tumulus of Beg-en-Aud Neolithic burial mound on the Quiberon Peninsula,” are available on the Saint-Pierre-Quiberon tourism website. Interactive maps and virtual tours can help plan your visit.

Conclusion

The Tumulus of Beg-en-Aud is a vital link to Brittany’s Neolithic past, offering a unique blend of archaeological intrigue and natural splendor. Its free, year-round access, coupled with proximity to other major megalithic and coastal attractions, makes it a rewarding destination for anyone interested in history, culture, or the outdoors. By respecting conservation guidelines and engaging with local heritage initiatives, visitors help preserve this irreplaceable monument for future generations. For enhanced exploration, the Audiala app offers interactive guides and updates on Brittany’s archaeological sites.

Enjoy your journey through Brittany’s ancient landscapes—where every stone tells a story.

Sources

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Tumulus Of Beg-En-Aud
Tumulus Of Beg-En-Aud