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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The menhirs of Kerscaven, located in Penmarch in Finistère, form a set of two megalithic monuments erected during the Neolithic period. These granite blocks, the second of which is 5.80 m high for 6.20 m wide, were described by local scholars from the early 19th century. Their distinctive form has earned them the nicknames the Bishop (South Menhir) and the Virgin (North Menhir), reflecting their integration into the Breton cultural landscape.

The second menhir, classified as a Historical Monument by order of 30 June 1921, was searched in 1876 by Paul du Châtellier. This research revealed artifacts such as pottery studs, flint drills, flint shrapnel and charcoal, suggesting nearby ritual or domestic activities. The northern menhir, less imposing in thickness (1 m) but wide at its base, is also called Menhir de Lestridiou, a name mentioned by Paul du Châtellier.

The first written records of the menhirs date back to 1835, with a brief description by the Chevalier de Fréminville, followed by a more detailed study by Armand René du Châtellier in 1867. This work helped document their state and archaeological context, while stressing their importance in the study of Breton megalithism. Their classification among the Historical Monuments, from 1889 for the first and 1921 for the second, attests to their heritage value.

Archaeological excavations also revealed traces of human occupation around the menhirs, such as cereal wheels and flint tools. These discoveries reinforce the hypothesis of using sites for both symbolic and practical purposes, linked to the Neolithic communities of the region. Their preservation now allows us to study the techniques of size, transport and erection of these monuments, as well as their role in ancient landscapes.

The location of the menhirs, on the town of Penmarch, makes it important elements of the Finistrian megalithic heritage. Their state of conservation, despite the natural erosion (vertical furrows on the southern menhir), offers a tangible testimony of the prehistoric cultures of Brittany. Their inclusion in national protection lists and their mention in specialized books, such as those of Aubrey Burl or G. Le Scouezec, confirm their status as major study objects.

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