Historical monument classification 1889 (≈ 1889)
Official protection of the site by the French State.
1927
Discovery of the cupula
Discovery of the cupula 1927 (≈ 1927)
Marcel Baudouin identifies a cylindrical cupula.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Rockstone (Box A3 354): ranking by list of 1889
Key figures
Marcel Baudouin - Researcher/archaeologist
Studyed the cupula in 1927.
Origin and history
The rock of the Cornetière is a natural rock located in Avrillé, in the Vendée department. Initially wrongly identified as a megalith in the 19th century, it was studied in 1927 by Marcel Baudouin, who discovered a cylindrical cup of 60 mm diameter and 30 mm depth at the top of the rock. This detail suggests a possible use or modification by man at an indefinite time, although its natural nature remains proven.
The site was recognized for its heritage interest and classified as historic monuments in 1889. This protection reflects the importance attached to this type of geological formation, often associated with ancient practices or beliefs, although its strictly natural origin has been confirmed. The precise location of the rock, at 5341 La Cornetière, allows it to be located in a rural Vendean setting, typical of the landscapes of this region.
The sources available, notably from Wikipedia and the Merimée base, underline its status as a protected monument and its integration into the local heritage. Although without any proven connection to megalithic constructions, the rock illustrates the historical interest in the significant geological formations, often invested with cultural or symbolic significance by local communities over the centuries.
