Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Menhir de L'Ouche-à-l'Hôte, also known as Menhir de Charmeau, was discovered in 1889 in a field of Broye in Saône-et-Loire. The owner, Mr. Ramoussy, tried to destroy him with explosives after clearing him with eight pairs of oxen, but he was finally preserved and straightened in 1913 thanks to Victor Berthier and Eugene Schneider. This 14-ton monolithic block, in local gneiss, features ancient engravings, including an axe and an anthropomorphic figure.

The engravings of the menhir, visible in razing light, include a stylized axe and a schematic representation of a character with raised arms. These patterns recall those found in Brittany, Charente, or in Northern Italy, suggesting cultural ties or exchanges during the Neolithic period. The menhir was initially located near a prehistoric route from Autun to the Guye Valley, highlighting its importance in ancient communication networks.

Ranked a historic monument on July 23, 1914, the menhir was moved from its original location, 120 m south of its current position. His recovery was a notable event, involving important technical means, such as those provided by Eugène Schneider, master of the Creusot forges. The stone, broken at its base, preserves traces of bouchardage, testifying to a careful regularization work.

The Menhir de Broye is part of a regional context rich in megalithic remains, as evidenced by other sites in Saône-et-Loire. Its history also reflects tensions between heritage preservation and private interests, as in the attempt to acquire it by the Mayor of Broye or the Educational Society. Today, there remains a valuable testimony of the practices and beliefs of the neolithic societies of Burgundy.

External links