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Origin and history

The menhir des Louères is a block of pyramidal poudingue, measuring 3.50 m high, 2.70 m wide and 1 m thick. Located in Saint-Aubin-des-Châteaux in Loire-Atlantique, it dates from the Neolithic and is distinguished by two large circular cavities on its southern face. According to historical sources, a second menhir, now extinct, was about 20 m away, composed of a reddish stone 2.10 m high.

Ranked a historic monument by decree of November 5, 1928, this menhir is surrounded by local legends. One of them says that the stone fell from the left shoe of Gargantua, a mythical giant, while sitting on the bell tower of Ruffigné. Another tradition claims that by applying his ear to the largest cavity, one could hear an hour ringing.

The menhir's descriptions come in particular from the works of Pitre de Lisle du Dreneuc, in his Archaeological Dictionary of the Loire-Inferior (1882), as well as from Aubrey Burl's research on Breton megalithism. These sources underline its importance in the megalithic heritage of the region, while mentioning its state of conservation and the peculiarities of its form.

The menhir is located precisely at the approximate address of 55 Rue de la Gaudinais, in the commune of Saint-Aubin-des-Châteaux (code Insee 44153). Its location is considered satisfactory a priori (level 6/10), and it is referenced in the Mérimée base under the Loire-Atlantique department, in the Pays de la Loire region.

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