Locmariaquer Megaliths
Explore Brittany's ancient past at Locmariaquer, home to colossal megaliths and mysterious Neolithic tombs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Locmariaquer Megaliths
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Brittany's ancient past at Locmariaquer, home to colossal megaliths and mysterious Neolithic tombs.
"An unmissable place to visit, offering a leisurely 90 minutes soaking up antiquity."
🎯 Free Guided Tours
Join a free guided tour for insightful context; they're surprisingly engaging for all ages!
🎟️ Multi-Site Tickets
One ticket covers multiple megalithic sites – great value!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Menhir
Locmariaquer
The tallest menhir in prehistoric Western Europe, a colossal stone standing at an impressive height.
Table des Marchands
Locmariaquer
A Neolithic tomb with fascinating carved stones, now housed within a protective cairn.
Tumulus of Er Grah
Locmariaquer
An ancient funerary monument with distinctive long, added arms, creating a unique architectural form.
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Ticket Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Guided Tours
Join a free guided tour for insightful context; they're surprisingly engaging for all ages!
🎟️ Multi-Site Tickets
One ticket covers multiple megalithic sites – great value!
🚶♀️ Explore at Your Pace
Wander freely after the visitor center movie; no time limits except closing.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Visitor centers usually offer convenient free parking.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Guided Tours
Join a free guided tour for insightful context; they're surprisingly engaging for all ages!
🎟️ Multi-Site Tickets
One ticket covers multiple megalithic sites – great value!
🚶♀️ Explore at Your Pace
Wander freely after the visitor center movie; no time limits except closing.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Visitor centers usually offer convenient free parking.
☀️ Prepare for Sun
Bring water and sun protection, as much of the site is exposed. :sunwithface:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the Locmariaquer Megaliths as a beautiful and iconic prehistoric site in Brittany, highlighting the value of the ticket and the engaging free guided tours. While some find the site small with just a few rocks, most agree it's a remarkable and unmissable historical experience, especially when considering the low cost and the impressive scale of the ancient monuments.
"One of the most beautiful and iconic prehistoric sites of Brittany. Beautiful and well preserved, with free tour guides every hour. Free parking available nearby."
Margot
"Small Site with a few rocks, personally I didnt find it very interesting. If you are already in the area it could be worth a visit.
Pros are free parking, free entry for under 25 and friendly staff."
Henry
"We watched the 10 minute movie in the museum and then walked around the megaliths. The movie had earphones which could be set to a language of your choice. The site is remarkable. We went on a holiday so there was demonstrations of life by a man in period clothes and showing crafts."
Debbie Hodge
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Locmariaquer Megaliths are located in Brittany, France. Driving is the most common way to reach the site, with visitor centers offering free parking. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus schedules in advance is recommended if you're not driving.
Yes, there is free parking available at the visitor centers for the Locmariaquer Megaliths, which is very convenient for visitors arriving by car.
While driving is easiest, it's possible to visit via public transport, though it may require more planning. Check local bus routes from nearby towns like Vannes or Auray. Some visitors have noted that visitor centers might close for lunch.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are very reasonably priced, often around 6 euros, and can grant access to multiple megalithic sites in the region, offering excellent value. There are often discounts or free entry for visitors under 25.
Yes, free guided tours are typically offered hourly at the Locmariaquer Megaliths. These tours are highly recommended for understanding the history and significance of the sites.
Opening hours can vary, and it's advisable to check the official website or visitor center information. Be aware that some facilities, like visitor centers, might close for a lunch break, typically between 1 PM and 2 PM.
While not always explicitly stated, purchasing tickets at the visitor center upon arrival is common. It's worth checking the official website for any online booking options, especially during peak season.
Generally, a single ticket provides access to the main megalithic sites. The visitor center and surrounding areas are usually accessible, but specific monuments might require a ticket.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The site features several impressive megalithic structures, including the colossal Grand Menhir, the Table des Marchands (a dolmen within a cairn), and the Tumulus of Er Grah. You can also see the remnants of the Grand Menhir brisé.
You can spend anywhere from 90 minutes to several hours exploring the sites, depending on your interest level and whether you join a guided tour or watch the interpretive video. Many visitors take their time to soak in the atmosphere.
Yes, the sites can be very engaging for children, especially with the guided tours that often involve them. The sheer scale of the stones and the mysteries surrounding them can spark their imagination.
Many visitors watch the introductory film at the visitor center, which often has multilingual headphones, and then explore the sites independently or join a guided tour. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on uneven terrain.
Photography is generally allowed at the Locmariaquer Megaliths. The dramatic stone structures and the coastal scenery offer fantastic photo opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The town of Locmariaquer itself offers various dining options, from casual cafes to restaurants. It's also a good idea to pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the historical surroundings, especially if you're visiting during a lunch closure.
While there aren't specific restrictions mentioned, it's generally good practice to be mindful of the historical site. Enjoying a picnic in designated areas or before/after your visit is usually fine.
📸 📸 Photography
The Grand Menhir, especially its broken pieces, offers dramatic shots. The Table des Marchands with its carved stones is also a highlight. The vastness of the Tumulus of Er Grah provides a sense of scale.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical and archaeological sites to protect them and ensure visitor safety. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and highlight the textures of the stones. Golden hour can be particularly stunning for capturing the ancient atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical tips for families include bringing plenty of water and sun protection, as the sites are largely exposed. Comfortable shoes are essential for navigating the grounds. Consider visiting earlier in the day to avoid the peak crowds and the midday heat. The interpretive video at the visitor center can also serve as a good primer to get kids excited about what they're about to see.
💰 Budget Travelers
To further enhance a budget trip, consider packing your own snacks and drinks, or planning a picnic to enjoy on-site, rather than relying on more expensive dining options. The free guided tours are a fantastic way to gain in-depth knowledge without any extra cost, making the experience rich and educational. Visiting during the shoulder seasons can also mean fewer crowds and potentially lower accommodation prices in the surrounding areas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mystery of the Megaliths
Beyond the Grand Menhir, the Table des Marchands offers a glimpse into funerary practices. This dolmen, now encased in a modern cairn for preservation, features intricate carvings on its rear stone and ceiling, depicting scenes that hint at the beliefs and daily life of its creators. The Tumulus of Er Grah, another significant burial monument, is notable for its impressive length and the distinctive 'arms' added during its construction, stretching to about 140 meters in total. These structures collectively paint a picture of a complex society with sophisticated understanding of astronomy, engineering, and ritual.
Many visitors are struck by the sheer scale and the enduring enigma of these ancient monuments. The free guided tours are highly recommended, as they provide invaluable context and bring the history to life, often engaging visitors with stories and theories about the builders and their purpose. The experience is often described as stepping back in time, offering a tangible connection to a distant past that continues to spark wonder and debate.
Navigating the Sites and Visitor Experience
The sites are spread out, and while a single ticket often covers multiple locations, it's important to be prepared for walking. Comfortable footwear is a must, as the terrain can be uneven. The Grand Menhir brisé (broken grand menhir) is a dramatic sight, with its massive fragments lying where they fell. Nearby, the Table des Marchands offers a more enclosed experience within its protective cairn, allowing a close look at the carved stones. The Tumulus of Er Grah is a vast, elongated structure that speaks to the monumental efforts undertaken for burial rituals.
Many visitors highlight the value of the free guided tours offered at the site. These tours are not only informative but also often very engaging, making the ancient history accessible and exciting for all ages. The guides share fascinating insights and theories, enhancing the overall understanding and appreciation of the megaliths. Remember to check for potential lunch closures at the visitor center, as French 'long lunch' traditions can affect operating hours.





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