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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Menhir de Pierrefitte, located in Etampes in the Essonne department, is an emblematic vestige of Neolithic. Its name, Pierrefitte, derives from the Latin petra ficta (paper marked), reflecting its ancient origin. Consisting of a sandstone slab from the nearby Stampian, it measures 4.20 m in height for a width of 2.60 m at the base. Its south-southeast face is smooth, while the north-northeast face, partially smoothed, has natural holes. Originally, it was buried under a pile of stones in the 19th century.

Ranked a historic monument in 1964, this menhir stands today in a private garden, which limits its accessibility. It overlooks the valley of the Louette and gave its name to the neighbouring hamlet. Although discreet, it reflects the megalithic practices of the Paris region. Studies, such as those of Eliane Basse de Menorval (1965) or Alain Bénard (2012), have helped document its history and geological characteristics.

Menhir illustrates the importance of megalithic sites in Île-de-France, often linked to ritual or symbolic functions. Its ranking among historic monuments underscores its heritage value. Despite its current location in a private property, there is still a marker of the prehistoric past of the Essonne, accessible via sources such as the Merimée database or specialized publications.

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