Carnac is a tiny town in France’s northwest sided city called
Brittany. It is popularly known for the Carnac stones, thousands of ancient
sculptured stones which are spread across three alignments: Ménec, Kermario and
Kerlescan. Nearby, the Saint-Michel tumulus is a thousand of years old
interment mound kronered by a small chapel. In town, the Museum of Prehistory
has remainders from the area’s Neolithic period. To its southern side is the
long sandy beach called Grande Plage.
What does Carnac mean?
Carnac, which is called as
Karnagin Breton is a town nearby the Gulf of Morbihan on the south shore of
Brittany in the Morbihan department in north-western France. Its dwells are
named as Carnacois in French.
Why were the Carnac stones
built?
The constructions could
also have had a alternate purpose as a symbol and support of a group identity.”
Kermario Dolmen at Carnac was made as a burial tomb and
would have initially been covered by a mound of earth.
How old are the Carnac
stones?
The more than 3,000
antediluvian standing stones were shorten from local rock and
assembled by the pre-Celtic people of Brittany. The stones were
arranged at some stage during the Neolithic period, probably around 3300 BC,
but some may be as superannuated as 4500 BC.
Is Stonehenge a house of
death?
The Stonehenge monument
is an age old British landmark situated in Wiltshire, England. It is believed
to be thousands of years old. It was edified from ancient- moulded structures
called as dolmens, or erected stones and a flat-roof of stone. As you
see, Stonehenge has a number of dolmens.
Carnac is known far and wide amongst the world for its
iconic rows of ancient standing stones. The town is divided into two
areas: Carnac-Ville, where you can find the Museum of Prehistory, and Carnac-Plage,
a family resort built across the sea with a state-of-the-art thalassotherapy
centre.
What are
the top places to explore in Carnac?
·
La Côte
Gastronomy in Carnac
The top piece of advice on
the Morbihan Coast goes to this Carnac restaurant which is run by
Carnacois maître-cuisinier Pierre Michaud, who has won acclaim for
his creative cuisine that is a combination of the very best Breton ingredients.
The interior is another plus point, with an elegant dining room and a calm and
relaxing terrace with a view of a small fish pond. Look for a calm and peaceful
property near to the Alignements de Kermario.
·
Festival Interceltique de Lorient
Celtic festival in
Carnac
Gaelic groups from all over
the world specially from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Isle of Man and
some parts of Europe like Galicia in northwest Spain gather up with Bretons for
10 days at the Interceltique Festival. More than of 7 million people show up on
the city of Lorient which is about 30km northwest of Carnac, so book your stay
well ahead.
·
Tumulus de Kercado
Archaeological Site in Carnac
The enormous burial stack
of a neolithic chieftain which are year old at least from 3800 BC, the
mind-blowing Tumulus de Kercado exits just on the eastern side of Kermario and
500m to the south of the D196; look for the signs. Deposit your fee which is €1
in an honour box at the entrance hut that you walk across to reach the site.
You can walk along the conduit (there's a light switch) and stand up within the
chamber at the core of the tumulus.
·
Tumulus St-Michel
Archaeological Site in Carnac
This gigantic tumulus which
is situated 400m northeast of the Carnac-Ville tourist office, and can be
accessed off the D781 at the end of Chemin du Tumulus, is a huge burial mound
with a church built on top. Its history ages back to at least 5000 BC and offers
comprehensive views (exterior access only).
·
Alignements du Ménec
Archaeological Site in Carnac
The greatest and largest
menhir field with 1099 stones is the Alignements du Ménec is placed in front of
the Maison des Mégalithes,, 1km north of Carnac-Ville.
·
Maison des Mégalithes
Museum in Carnac
The main knowledge zone for
the Carnac alignments is the Maison des Mégalithes which is located just 1km
north of Carnac-Ville. It depicts the history of the megalithic sites and has a
terrace top viewpoint which provides the view of the alignments. Look up for a
one-hour guided visit; times vary considerably according to the time of year
but they run frequently in a day (in French) during the summer. English tours
are also accessible though just once a week in July and August.
·
Musée de Préhistoire
Museum in Carnac
The Musée de Préhistoire is
wedge full of the finds from the megaliths sites around the region, so it helps
as a fantastic primer to the area and its case history. The museum narrates
life in and around Carnac out of the Palaeolithic and Neolithic eras to the
Middle Ages. It's an apt for respectful and comprehensibly beautifully made
neolithic axe heads, pottery, jewellery and other exclusive and very rare
artefacts.
·
Géant du Manio
Archaeological Site in Carnac
·
You can find this big, eclipsing menhir between pine trees about
300m east of the Kercado diverted along the D196; there's a parking area just
in front of the road next to a rider centre, then a 15-minute walk takes you to
immense rock, the highest menhir in the complex. Before entering the Géant du
Manio zone, you will come across the rectangular formulation of stones called
as the Quadrilatère du Manio.
·
Chez Marie
Crêpes in Carnac
Set up in 1959, this Carnac
organization agitates out savoury galettes and sweet crêpes in a delightfully
traditional stone house right next to the church. Connoisseurs suggest its
flambéed specialities, particularly the Arzal galette, with scallops,
apples and cider. There's a kids' menu for your little ones for €7.50, as well
as some option of beers, ciders, wines and cocktails.
Alignements de Kerlescan
Archaeological Site in Carnac
This is located in the easternmost of the major groups. It is a
tiny grouping which is also available for exploration in winter. You can also
find the cromlech de Kerlescan here.
Alignements de Kermario
Archaeological Site in Carnac
Parts of this series of menhirs consist of 1029 stones and is is
open throughout the year.
Moulin de Kermaux
Viewpoint in Carnac
The chunky residues of this old windmill now functions as an
observation and learning zone of the Alignements de Kermario.
More Information: Rock-Hewn Churches, Lalibela
