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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The menhir de la Crulière is a megalithic monument located at the site of the Crulière, in the commune of Brem-sur-Mer, in the Vendée department. This block of quartzite, of pyramidal shape, is 2.30 meters high for an average thickness of 1.15 meters and a base of about 2.55 meters. Its weight is estimated at 8 tonnes. It was classified as historic monuments on 18 February 1934, highlighting its heritage importance.

By 1901, an alignment of three planted stones had been reported about 300 metres west of the menhir, but it has since been destroyed. This detail suggests that the site could be part of a larger megalithic complex, now partially extinct.

According to a local legend, the menhir was launched by Satan to crush a 15-year-old boy and his cow, who would have given him their soul. This folk anecdote illustrates popular beliefs associated with megaliths, often perceived as mysterious or evil objects.

The Menhir de la Crulière is representative of the megalithic constructions of the Neolithic, during which time the human communities raised these stones for reasons still debated (rituals, territorial landmarks, etc.). Its state of conservation and its protection make it a valuable testimony of this time in Pays de la Loire.

Available sources, including Wikipedia and Monumentum, confirm its ranking and precise location, with an address recorded in the Merimée database: 5006 La Crulière, 85470 Brem-sur-Mer. The site is now accessible, although its location accuracy is considered poor (level 5/10).

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