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Origin and history

The Dolmen de la Pierre Blanche is a megalithic building of the Angoumois type, dated between 4500 and 4000 BC. Located in Bessé, Charente, it is distinguished by its oval cover table of 4.50 m long, 4 m wide and 1.50 m thick, now supported by four small blocks. Originally, two additional orthostats were visible until the late 19th century. This dolmen is aligned with four other Tusson dolmens and two ruined dolmens, suggesting an intentional spatial organization.

Ranked historic monument by decree of 14 February 1930, the site delivered a small bronze of Emperor Constantine (ca. 330 AD), discovered nearby. This late vestige testifies to a visit to the site long after its construction. The tumulus that once surrounded the dolmen has now disappeared, leaving only the megalithic structure.

A local legend tells us that the stone was deposited by the Blessed Virgin by opening her apron. This folk tale illustrates the attachment of communities to this monument, typical of the traditions associated with megaliths. Dolmen, by its size and partial state of conservation, remains a major testimony of Neolithic in New Aquitaine.

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