Brittany is home to the largest collection of prehistoric stone structures in the world. There are so many dolmens, tumulus and menhirs, most of them from the Neolithic period (around 5000 - 3000 BCE), that you can hardly see them all in just two weeks. I'll start with our first visit to a megalith structure, Allée couverte de Ty Lia or Île Grande (covered alley of Île Grande). I personally would describe this as a tumulus which refers to an artificial elevation often covering a burial site.
This site was located just off the narrow country road with just a short gravel strip for parking. While these sites are all marked in maps and have signs, they are not particularly established as an attraction site - probably there are so many of them. There is one spectacular exception, but I will get to that in a later post.
It is called covered alley because it actually has an "alley" that is covered by a megalith and you can crawl in there.
It is interesting to look at the inside of it. These are huge stones and you really wonder how the people managed to move them. Often these stones come from places further away. There is still a lot of mystery surrounding these stone structures, and I wonder whether we will ever know everything about them and the people who lived at that time. I only know that our modern buildings will not stand the ravages of time like these megaliths have done.
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I am not only impressed with your stunning photos, I am also impressed with your knowledge of these monoliths. I have been fascinated by these prehistoric stone structures since I first read about Stonehenge. You never cease to amaze me because I learn something new every time I visit your blog. BTW, I had to look up "tumulus" because it was a new word to me. Thank you for sharing your insight onto this monolith.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful you shared your wine tasting day with us for T this week. Looks like you enjoyed both the red and white wines you were given.
Fascinating old structures, Carola. As you say Stonehenge is the most famous, but that in no way minimizes the significance of these other sites. Apart from the historic exploration it seems like an ideal place to study lichens too, those most interesting of organisms. When one views the world with eyes wide open every moment is filled with wonder. Many hugs - David
ReplyDeleteYou taught me 3 new words today. Thank you. I've only seen neolithic structures in Ireland (New grange) which was quite interesting. I have heard about them in northern France, but kind of forgot about that, so thanks for sharing. I need to add this area to my travel list with all your wonderful posts. Thanks for that also Your wine tasting looks like fun. Have a great T day and week ahead Carola. hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteWhat a magical place to visit, your photos are fabulous especially all those smiling faces and glasses raised in cheer at the end - they made me smile too ❤️. Wishing you a very Happy T Tuesday 😊. Hugs, Jo x
ReplyDelete...build with stone, it will last longer than you will!
ReplyDeleteYour photos are neat and remind me of a trip long ago when I saw the prehistoric stones of Brittany and the nearby islands in the Gulf of Morbihan. As I recall, the stones in Brittany, near Carnac, are from a different era and different peoples than the Stonehenge emplacements.
ReplyDeletebest… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Such a fascinating post! Brittany’s ancient stone structures are incredible, and the Allée couverte de Ty Lia sounds like a hidden gem. I love how even the lichen and seasnail add to the history. Looking forward to more!
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that these dolmen exist in the Netherlands (I have visited those) and I have also visited quite large dolmen in Antequerra (In southern Spain). But locally not far from from my cave house down here, there are dolmen and lots of 'stones'. People arrive in bus loads to view them. I find it interesting that dolmen are so widespread through europe. All in the same style. They couldn't possibly have been in contact with each other in Neolithic times? Or did they?
ReplyDeleteFascinating!
Happy T-Day,
Lisca
Those stones are so interesting and I wish we could figure out how they got like that - I am convinced it would be an even more interesting story. I know our current structures will not last long.
ReplyDeleteYour time with friends looks very fun. You may win the coolest drink picture award! Happy T-day. Hugz
We love Brittany and often come across stones - this place looks fascinating! Happy T Day, Chrisx
ReplyDeleteInteresting about these stone structures. I enjoy learning about history. Nice to see you have such good friends.
ReplyDeleteYour wine tasting and pairing sounds such fun and delicious. Isn't it great to have dear friends who enjoy what you do? Those stone are remarkable. What history so very long before us. As always, your photography rocks! (No pun intended, but it works!)
ReplyDeleteVery cool stone structures. Sharing time with friends that are really more like family is the best. Happy T Day
ReplyDeleteWow! These photos are outstanding.
ReplyDeleteLiebe Carola,
ReplyDeleteist es nicht eigenartig, dass etwas nur dann zur Sehenswürdigkeit wird, wenn es Seltenheitswert besitzt? Stonehenge ist total überlaufen. In der Bretagne scheint hingegen das Motto zu herrschen: "Dolmen, Menhire und solches Zeug? Pah, dass haben wir hier zum Schweinefüttern!" 😉 Dabei ist diese überdachte Steinstruktur hochgradig interessant und wunderschön; die Flechten und die Seeschnecke steigern diese Schönheit noch.
Es ist wunderbar, wenn man gute Freunde hat, um mit ihnen zu lachen, interessante Gespräche zu führen, Wein zu verkosten und auch sonst noch das eine oder andere zu unternehmen. Kein Wunder, dass ihr eine gute Zeit mit ihnen hattet. Ich hoffe, der Wein hat auch geschmeckt!
Alles Liebe, Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2025/02/winterurlaub-in-bad-mitterndorf-und.html
Vielen Dank, liebe Carola, es ist eine wahre Freude, deine Natur- und Kulturerlebnisse in der Bretagne zu sehen und ich habe mich nun entschieden, auch nach Stonehenge zu fahren. Ach ja, obwohl da sicherlich viel Publikum sein wird. Aber vielleicht finden wir auch in der Bretagne wunderschöne, ruhige Orte, wie du sie zeigst. Herzlichen Dank an dich. Die besten Wünsche für dich und deine Lieben von Viola
ReplyDeletep.s. schöne lustige Runde, die ihr hattet :-) Hug
Thanks, Carola, for sharing both your photos and knowledge about these prehistoric stone structures in Brittany. I have yet to experience Stonehenge (maybe one day) but it was so interesting to learn that there are other places which are off the beaten path and just as impressive. I have also wondered how people were able to move such massive stones. I would not venture in the alley beneath them.
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