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Origin and history

The menhirs de Veyssières are a group of five megaliths located in the commune of Saint-Raphaël, in the department of Var, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. These monuments date from Neolithic, a period marked by the emergence of agriculture and the construction of megalithic structures in Europe. Three of the five menhirs were found trained, testifying to their original function, probably linked to ritual or funeral practices.

Menhirs Nos. 1 and 2, in arkose, are 1.65 m and 2 m high, respectively, with a width of 0.50 m. Menhir No. 3 is distinguished by a serpentiform engraving surmounted by a human representation, a rare motif whose parallels are found in southern France and Spain. These engravings may date from the Neolithic or Iron Age, although their precise attribution remains uncertain. Menhir Nos. 1 and 2 were classified as historical monuments in 1938, followed by Menhir No. 3 in 1969.

Originally, Menhir No. 1 remained in place at its original coordinates (43° 27′ 13′′ N, 6° 49′ 32′′ E), while Menhir No. 2, also called Menhir de Valescure, was moved nearby (43° 27′ 01′′ N, 6° 49′ 09′′ E). As for Menhir No. 3, he was transferred to the courtyard of the archaeological museum of Saint-Raphaël for its preservation. These movements reflect conservation efforts while partially altering their original archaeological context.

Available sources, including Wikipedia and Monumentum, highlight the importance of this site in the study of the Var megaliths. A specialized bibliography, such as Les Mégalithes du Var (Barge & Mahieu, 2005), deepens their analysis in a wider regional context. Their protection as historical monuments guarantees their study and development for future generations.

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