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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The menhir called La Conche-Verte, also known as Menhir de l'Ermitage de Saint Vivence, is a megalithic monument erected during the Neolithic period. It stands in the forest of Olonne-sur-Mer, a commune integrated with Sables-d'Olonne in Vendée. This micaschist block, measuring 3.15 metres in height for a total length of 3.45 metres, was rediscovered in 1901 by Marcel Baudouin, buried under a dune. The excavations carried out on this occasion revealed its settlement pit, limestone calving stones, as well as a fragment of amphibolite polished axe, attesting to its prehistoric origin.

The protection of the menhir as a historical monument was formalized by a classification order on 22 June 1903. Marcel Baudouin, an archaeologist, played a key role in his rediscovery and study, highlighting elements such as the blackish earth layer under the menhir, proving that the formation of the dune was after his erection. This site illustrates the importance of megaliths in the prehistoric Vendean landscape, where they often marked symbolic or funeral places.

Historical sources, including Bertrand Poissonnier's work in The Prehistoric Vendée (1997), highlight the archaeological interest of this menhir. Today, there remains a tangible testimony of the practices and beliefs of the Neolithic communities in the region. Its state of conservation and its location in a forested area make it an accessible and mysterious site, inviting the discovery of the local megalithic heritage.

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