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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The menhir de la Longue-Pierre is a 2.2 m high round sandstone block located in Landepéreuse, in the department of Eure, Normandy. Its particular shape, with a non-crossing hole at the top, and its base surrounded by setting blocks (11 large and 40 small) suggest a ritual or commemorative function. Excavations in 1910 revealed a flint hatchet and iron ore fragments, but no organic or ceramic remains, leaving questions about its exact use.

The monument was first mentioned in 1832 by Auguste Le Prévost, before being studied by Léon Coutil, president of the French Prehistoric Society. The latter obtained his classification as a Historic Monument on 22 June 1911. A local legend attributes its erection to Roman troops to celebrate a victory, although its Neolithic origin is proven. Its location, at the intersection of a road leading to Tilleul-en-Ouche, reinforces its distinctive character in the landscape.

La Longue-Pierre illustrates the megalithic practices of the Neolithic in Normandy, when agricultural communities erected erect stones, often linked to religious or territorial landmarks. Its early ranking in the 20th century reflects the growing interest in preserving prehistoric remains in France, then threatened by agricultural activities or material removals. Today, there remains a rare testimony of megalithic constructions in the Eure.

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