the menhirs of the Bondons

< return to map << return to summary

La Cham des Bondons __________________________

A plate of limestone stretches to the west of the massif, rich in megalithic vestiges and remarkable geological curiosities.

The landscape of the Cham des Bondons

Near the Col de Montmirat is the start of the path of the menhirs . The itinerary also allows you to admire the superb and incongruous landscape of "l'Esquina d'ase" and the Puechs des Bondons : two conical hillocks coniques of black calcareous clay.

After the legend it is Gargantua who gave birth to the Puechs whilst scraping the mud of his clogs.

The mystery of the menhirs

The site of the Cham des Bondons ( 150 menhirs and 30 burial mounds) forms the second megalithic concentration in Europe after that of Carnac ( Brittany)
At least 4000 years ago, these heavy granite stones were transported many kilometres and then planted there, on this area of limestone. What could have motivated our distant ancesters to carry these enormous blocks and erect them? An offering to some forgotten gods? ..... The question remains unanswered.
One of the theories on the presence of these menhirs has been put forward by Mr Fossard : http://perso.wanadoo.fr/deesse-mere/

An erect menhir

< return to map

A plate of limestone stretches to the west of the massif, rich in megalithic vestiges and remarkable geological curiosities.
The landscape of the Cham des Bondons	Near the Col de Montmirat is the start of the path of the menhirs . The itinerary also allows you to admire the superb and incongruous landscape of "l'Esquina d'ase" and the Puechs des Bondons : two conical hillocks coniques of black calcareous clay. After the legend it is Gargantua who gave birth to the Puechs whilst scraping the mud of his clogs.
The mystery of the menhirs The site of the Cham des Bondons ( 150 menhirs and 30 burial mounds) forms the second megalithic concentration in Europe after that of Carnac ( Brittany) At least 4000 years ago, these heavy granite stones were transported many kilometres and then planted there, on this area of limestone. What could have motivated our distant ancesters to carry these enormous blocks and erect them? An offering to some forgotten gods? ..... The question remains unanswered. One of the theories on the presence of these menhirs has been put forward by Mr Fossard : http://perso.wanadoo.fr/deesse-mere/	An erect menhir