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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Dolmen de La Pierre-qui-vire, also known as Pierre-qui-tourne de la Taponnière, is a megalithic monument located in Cheftimes, in the department of Vendée (Pays de la Loire). Dating from Neolithic, it is probably an angeline dolmen, characterized by its erect stone structure (orthostats) supporting horizontal tables. In 1864, it had only one cover table based on three orthostats, but a restoration carried out in the early 20th century by Dr. Marcel Baudouin and Lucien Rousseau added a second table to it, partially changing its original appearance.

The dolmen was classified as historical monuments by order of 5 May 1924, thereby recognizing its heritage value. Today, it consists of two cover tables: the first measuring 2.20 m long by 1.60 m wide, while the second measuring 2 m by 1 m. These dimensions reflect the ingenuity of neolithic builders, although modern interventions have altered some of its original characteristics. The site is now owned by the Vendée department.

The excavations and restorations of the early 20th century helped to better understand this monument, typical of the megalithic buildings of the region. Dolmen is part of a broader set of prehistoric Vendean sites, reflecting the funeral and cultural practices of local neolithic communities. His name, "Pierre-qui-vire" or "Pierre-qui-tourne", may evoke legends or beliefs associated with this type of structure, although they are not documented in available sources.

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