Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The covered alley of the Hamelinière is a megalithic site located in the eponymous hamlet of Chantrigné, in the department of Mayenne (Pays de la Loire). Built at the end of the Neolithic period, it illustrates the architectural and funeral traditions of this period, with a stone structure designed to house collective burials. The monument was searched in 1920, revealing artifacts characteristic of Seine-Oise-Marne culture, such as vases and flint tools (polished axes, blades, "Grand-Pressigny" type dagger).

Ranked a historic monument by decree of 18 March 1932, covered road benefited from restoration campaigns conducted by Roger Bouillon between 2000 and 2003. Most of the original blocks were replaced with the exception of two missing elements. The objects discovered during the excavations, including lithic tools, offer valuable insight into the craft techniques and cultural exchanges of the final Neolithic in this region.

The site is part of a larger set of megaliths present in Mayenne, reflecting the importance of this area to neolithic communities. His state of conservation and archaeological studies make him a remarkable witness to prehistoric funeral architecture. The approximate location, noted as "passable" (level 5/10), places the monument near the so-called "Valdjege" in Chantrigné.

External links