Construction of menhir Néolithique (≈ 4100 av. J.-C.)
Estimated period of erection of the monument.
1889
Classification of historical monuments
Classification of historical monuments 1889 (≈ 1889)
Protection by the list of 1889.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Menhir de Peyreficade (Box E 401): ranking by list of 1889
Key figures
Philippe Lalande - Prehistory
Studyed the menhirs of Cantal (1904).
Laurent Barbier - Archaeologist
Co-author of an inventory of megaliths in Auvergne (1973).
Origin and history
The Menhir de Peyreficade is a block of trachyte erected during the Neolithic period, located in the commune of Carlat, in the department of Cantal. This monument, with a height of 1.60 m and a width of 0.90 m, has an irregular shape and a triangular section. Its closest rocky deposit is about 1 km from the site, highlighting its intentional transport by ancient populations.
Ranked as historical monuments in 1889, the Menhir de Peyreficade illustrates the importance of megalithic sites in the Auvergne region. Studies, such as those of Philippe Lalande (1904) or Laurent Barbier et al. (1973), cite him among the emblematic remains of Cantalian megalithism. Its early ranking reflects the recognition of its heritage value as early as the 19th century.
The location of the menhir, although documented (GPS coordinates and address to Carlat), remains unclear according to available sources, with an estimated accuracy of 5/10. The site is not associated with specific tourist services such as guided tours or accommodation, but is part of the network of protected megalithic monuments of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
