Timeline

Heritage classified

Origin and history

Coulmiers' dolmen, also known as Pierres Fenats (meaning "wailing stones"), is a megalith dated Neolithic. It is located near the hamlet of Cheminiers, on the commune of Épieds-en-Beauce, in the Loiret department, in the Centre-Val de Loire region. This monument, consisting of five stones, reaches nearly 3 meters high and 4.50 meters long. Its architecture and size make it a remarkable example of the megalithic constructions of this period.

The dolmen was classified as historic monuments in 1900, highlighting its heritage importance. The name "Pierres Fenats" reflects a local interpretation, evoking stones associated with a form of laziness or immobility, typical of the legends surrounding megaliths. This site is part of a larger set of megalithic monuments in the Loiret, illustrating the funeral and cultural practices of the Neolithic societies of the region.

The precise location of the dolmen, indicated in the Merimée base under cadastral code C 281, confirms its territorial anchor at Épieds-en-Beauce. Although the sources do not specify its exact use, this type of structure was generally associated with collective burials or community rites. Its state of conservation and legal protection are a subject of study for archaeologists and a place of curiosity for visitors interested in prehistory.

Available data, from sources such as Wikipedia and Monumentum, highlight its early ranking among French historical monuments. This status allowed its preservation, despite a geographical location whose accuracy is assessed as "very satisfactory" (note 8/10). Coulmiers' dolmen thus remains a tangible testimony of the know-how and beliefs of the neolithic populations of Beauce.

No information is available on any historical figures related to its construction or use. Similarly, the sources do not mention recent archaeological excavations or major discoveries associated with this site. Its main interest lies in its representativeness of the megaliths of the region and its heritage ranking, which makes it a key element of the local historic landscape.

Finally, Coulmiers' dolmen integrates into a wider network of megalithic sites in the Loiret, contributing to the understanding of the cultural and social dynamics of Neolithic in the Centre-Val de Loire. However, its accessibility and signage remain poorly documented, suggesting a more heritage rather than touristic vocation, at least according to the information currently available.

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