Menhirs Of Mayenne

The menhirs of Mayenne, France, are part of the region's rich prehistoric heritage. Menhirs are large standing stones that were erected during the Neolithic period (around 4000 to 2500 BCE) and are often associated with ancient rituals and burial practices. The Mayenne department, located in northwestern France, is home to several such menhirs, reflecting the area's long history of human settlement and its connection to ancient cultures.

Menhirs in Mayenne:

1. La Grande Pierre (Menhir of Saint-Pierre-sur-Erve):

   • Location: Near the village of Saint-Pierre-sur-Erve.

   • Description: This menhir, also known as the "Great Stone," stands about 4 meters tall and is one of the most prominent in the Mayenne region. It is located in a rural area, surrounded by fields and forests, creating a striking contrast between the ancient stone and the natural landscape. The menhir is believed to have served as a marker or a ceremonial site for the people who erected it thousands of years ago.

2. Menhir de la Hune (Menhir of Thorigné-en-Charnie):

   • Location: Near Thorigné-en-Charnie, a small village in Mayenne.

   • Description: The Menhir de la Hune is another significant standing stone in the region. Standing at about 3.5 meters tall, it is situated in an area known for its archaeological significance. The stone is thought to have been part of a larger complex of megalithic structures, although many of these have not survived the test of time.

3. Menhir de la Roche aux Fées (Fairies' Rock Menhir):

   • Location: In the commune of Saint-Pierre-des-Nids, in northern Mayenne.

   • Description: This menhir is surrounded by folklore, as its name suggests ("Fairies' Rock"). Local legends often associate menhirs with supernatural beings, and this particular stone is believed to have connections to fairy tales and ancient myths. Standing around 2.5 meters tall, it is a smaller but still significant example of the region's prehistoric heritage.

4. Menhir de la Roche (also known as La Roche qui Pleure):

• Location: Near the town of Lesbois, 4km from Gorron, Mayenne.

• Description: The Menhir de la Roche stands about 3 meters tall and is a prominent feature in the landscape. It's known locally as "La Roche qui Pleure" or "The Rock that Cries" due to a local legend that suggests the stone weeps during certain times, possibly linked to weather patterns like rain. This menhir is typical of the megalithic tradition in the region and is believed to have been erected during the Neolithic period.

Historical Significance:

• Neolithic Culture: The menhirs of Mayenne, like those found throughout Brittany and other parts of northwestern France, are remnants of the Neolithic culture that flourished in the region. These large stones were often erected as part of religious or ceremonial practices, though their exact purpose remains a mystery. They might have served as territorial markers, grave markers, or as part of ritualistic alignments with the stars or the sun.

• Megalithic Tradition: The Mayenne menhirs are part of the broader megalithic tradition that includes not only standing stones but also dolmens (stone tombs) and alignments (rows of stones). This tradition is most famously represented by the Carnac stones in Brittany, but the menhirs in Mayenne offer a more localised glimpse into this ancient practice.

Cultural and Folkloric Connections:

• Legends and Myths: Like many menhirs across France, those in Mayenne are often surrounded by local legends. These stones are sometimes believed to possess magical properties, such as bringing good luck or curing ailments. In some tales, they are associated with fairies or giants who are said to have placed them there.

• Fairy Rocks: The connection of some menhirs, like the Roche aux Fées, to fairy lore reflects the way ancient structures often became part of local folklore. These tales helped preserve the memory of the stones and added a layer of mystical significance to their existence.

Visiting the Menhirs:

• Accessibility: Many of the menhirs in Mayenne are located in rural areas, making them accessible by car or on foot via hiking trails. Visiting these ancient stones can be a peaceful experience, as they are often situated in quiet, natural surroundings.

• Respecting the Sites: As with all ancient sites, it’s important to approach the menhirs with respect. These stones are not only historical monuments but also significant cultural symbols that have endured for thousands of years.