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- The Monument
Some 6,000 years old, the megalithic site of Carnac is one of Europe’s most important prehistoric sites. Its 3,000 standing stones are spread over 40 hectares and 4 kilometres according to an organised plan. The alignments of Kermario, Le Menec, Kerlescan and Le Pett Menec (La Trinité-sur-Mer), which make up the site of Carnac, are one of the first monumental stone architectures in Europe.
Recent excavations have shown that the history of these alignments is related to developments during the Neolithic period, between 4,500 and 2,500 B.C. They were set up in a period which marked the beginning of sedentary existence.
The alignments of Carnac are generally considered to have had a religious function. The alignments of standing stones indicated the way to a sacred enclosure, and the dolmens had a funerary function.
The sites have been closed to the public since 1991 to ensure their preservation.
Lodging
See the listing of the Hotels in Vannes
Entrance and information
“Maison des Megaliths” The Ménec
56340 Carnac
Going there
From Auray: secondary roads D 768 and D 781 towards Carnac (D 196 is forbidden to coaches going west)
Localisation
11 km south of the Vannes/Lorient road
Opening / Closing
Hours to confirm
Open everyday
May and june, 9 am to 7 pm
July and August, 9 am to 8 pm
September to April, 10 am to 5 pm
Closed
1st January, 1st May, 25th December