Detailed review by magdadh
magdadh
Perth, United Kingdom90%
The megalithic menhirs of Brittany are world-famous: quite remarkable really, for stone structures of seemingly no use whatsoever. But then it might be this mystery that is the main attraction.
Nobody knows, really, who, and especially why constructed these gigantic even by modern standards arrangements. Carnac megaliths number over 3,000 stones, scattered all around the area in the form of alignments (long avenues of parallel rows of standing stones), dolmens (above-ground tombs made of stone), tumuli (earthen mounds) and individual menhirs (standing stones).
Leaving aside the speculations as to what the purpose of the megalithic arrangements was and who built them, Carnac menhirs are out there to be seen and present an impressive sight indeed. Located just outside the Breton town of Carnac, the main alignments are known as Menec, Kermario and Kerlescan. They are very near each other and might have been in fact originally part of the same structure. In addition to the alignments there are several dolmens in the area.
The main car parking and a modern visitors' centre with a raised terrace from which to view the alignments are located at the western end of the Menec alignment. The Kermario and Kerlescan sites have their own car parks, though the whole can be easily covered on foot (count on about a five mile round walk if you want to see the minor sites too).
During the summer (usually April - October), the entry among the stones is for organised, paid-for tours only. You can still see the stones from the perimeter for free (and you are likely to have a clear view without modern visitors getting into the picture). You can wander among the menhirs in the winter period. This is a controversial measure, apparently to “protect vegetation though one cannot help but wonder if it's not an attempt to make money of a major tourist attraction.
Unbelievably old (among the oldest large-scale human constructions still standing, certainly in Europe), completely opaque; strikingly, mutely, solidly THERE for us to see and project our ideas on, Carnac stones are compelling and unforgettable despite all the hype.
Carnac stones9
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