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Heritage classified

Origin and history

The Menhir de Gobianne is a megalithic monument located in Chahaignes, in the department of Sarthe, in the Pays de la Loire region. It is distinguished by its unique composition: two flint puddingue stones, nicknamed 'mother and daughter'. The 'mother' stone, 3.60 metres high, seems to protect the 'daughter', wider but less emerging (1.80 m), in a south-east/north-west alignment slightly inclined to the southwest.

The building has been listed as historic monuments since February 8, 1984, recognizing its heritage value. The two blocks, perfectly juxtaposed, evoke a symbol of protection or family bond, typical of certain interpretations of megaliths. Their matter, the flint puddingue, is characteristic of local geological resources.

The precise location of the menhir is indicated as follows: 1 Gobianne, 72340 Chahaignes, on private land (cadastre F 457). Although the exact dating of the monument is not mentioned, its style and composition relate to prehistoric megalithic traditions, common in the region. A bibliographical reference, Discovering Megaliths in Sarthe (1992), attests to his study by local researchers.

The site is managed as private property and its access or visibility may vary. The Merimée base, as well as sources such as Monumentum and Wikipedia, document its existence and protection, stressing its importance in the sarthoian megalithic landscape. No information is available about its ritual use or its original function, but its inscription among historical monuments makes it a protected witness of the past.

Sarthe has several similar megalithic sites, and the Gobianne Menhir is part of a wider network of regional prehistoric heritage. However, its state of conservation and its enhancement remain little detailed in the available sources, apart from its approximate location (precision: 6/10 according to Monumentum) and a photo licensed under Creative Commons.

No local historical character or legend is explicitly associated with this menhir in source texts. Its name 'mother and daughter' probably comes from a later popular interpretation, reflecting a symbolic reading of the natural forms of stones.

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