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Origin and history

The alignment of the Little Stone in Avrillé (Vendée) is a megalithic site dated from Neolithic, gradually discovered since the 19th century. In 1840, Léon Audé mentioned a first menhir at the place called La Pierre, followed in 1862 by Abbé Ferdinand Baudry who identified a second block lying down. A menhir was listed as a historic monument in 1889. Marcel Baudouin described two twin menhirs in 1933, before excavations in 1991-1992 revealed a third menhir, confirming an alignment of three stones.

This alignment consists of a central menhir of 5.35 m (35 tonnes) and two broken lateral menhirs, approximately 3.15 m each, arranged on a north-west/south-east axis. The stones come from the same block weakened by an aplite. Their east side has been flattened, suggesting intentional work. The site is part of a larger megalithic complex, including the Fourgon Wood alignments located 900 m east, all erected on a ridge between 35 m and 50 m above sea level.

The excavations revealed a variety of archaeological furniture: 33 tools (including a dolerite axe), 92 flints of flint, and two pendants (quartz and limestone). Of the 122 tiles found, 76 date from the ancient Bronze, the rest being medieval or contemporary. These artifacts are evidence of prolonged human occupation, although the site is primarily associated with Neolithic. Menhir No. 4 (cadastre B4,565) has been protected since 1889, anchoring the site in national historic heritage.

The studies carried out by Gérard Benéteau in 1993 highlight the importance of this site in the megalithic landscape of the Vendee. The alignment of the Little Stone illustrates neolithic funeral and ritual practices, while revealing traces of subsequent activities (old Bronze). Its precise location, 5322 La Petite Pierre, and its code Insee (85010) link it administratively to the commune of Avrillé, in the department of Vendée (region Pays de la Loire).

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