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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The dolmens of Bernazay are two megalithic monuments located in the commune of Trois Moutiers, in the department of Vienna. Data from Neolithic, these sandstone structures are now in ruins. The first dolmen, classified as a historic monument in 1957, retains a covering slab measuring 4.20 m long by 4 m wide, placed on a height overlooking a valley crossed by a stream. No archaeological material was associated with this building.

The second dolmen, about 500 m west of the first, is located on the other side of the valley. This monument remains only a 4.20 m by 2 m inclined slab and a partially buried block, probably an orthostate. Like its counterpart, this dolmen is also in ruins, without trace of archaeological furniture.

According to a local legend, these dolmens were born of butter cakes stolen by the devil at the parish priest of Basses. Surprised by Saint Radegonde, the devil reportedly overturned his stove, dispersing the cakes that turned into stones, forming the dolmens of Bernazay and other nearby sites. This legend illustrates the folklore attached to the megaliths of the region.

The dolmens of Bernazay are mentioned in the Inventory of Megaliths of France (1996), which lists the megalithic sites of the Department of Vienna. Their protection as historical monuments underscores their heritage importance, despite their current state of degradation.

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