Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The alignments of the Petit-Ménec form a megalithic ensemble composed of 101 menhirs spread over ten lines, oriented east and northeast. Located on the municipality of La Trinité-sur-Mer in Morbihan, they extend the alignments of Kerlescan (Carnac) for about 350 meters. This site, completely devoid of vegetation originally, was partially obstructed by pine plantations in the 20th century, altering its archaeological legibility.

Ranked a historic monument in 1889, the site suffered major damage in the 19th century. In April 2012, menhirs were overthrown during a logging operation, destroying unexcavated archaeological layers. These incidents illustrate the preservation challenges associated with modern human activities and landscape evolution.

The alignments of Petit-Ménec, like other Breton megalithic sites, bear witness to Neolithic cultural and religious practices. Their geometric arrangement suggests a complex social organization and advanced mastery of the techniques of transport and erection of megaliths. Their proximity to Carnac reinforces their importance in the study of the prehistoric societies of the region.

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