Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Menhir dit Pierre Fitte, also known as Pierre des Folles, is an iconic megalithic monument located in Saint-Quentin-la-Chabanne, in the Creuse department. Raised during the Neolithic period, this stone block reaches 4 meters in height, with a base measuring between 0.80 and 1.20 meters wide. Its perimeter at the base is 3 meters, making it a remarkable specimen among the local megaliths. According to the popular beliefs reported, this menhir was erected by the devil, adding a folk dimension to its history.

The monument was officially recognized for its heritage value in 1961, when it was listed as historic monuments. This protection highlights its archaeological and cultural importance in the region. Historical sources, such as the works of G. Courty (1911) and C. Laborde (1959), document its existence among the megalithic sites of the Creuse, emphasizing its integration into a wider network of prehistoric monuments.

Saint-Quentin-la-Chabanne, where the Pierre Fitte is located, is a rural commune in the Creuse, a department marked by a low population density and a rich archaeological heritage. During the Neolithic period, this area was inhabited by agro-pastoral communities that erected menhirs, probably for ritual or commemorative purposes. These monuments served as landmarks in the landscape and could symbolize links with ancestors or natural forces, reflecting the beliefs and social organization of the time.

External links