Discovering the statue-menhirs of Haut-Languedoc
During your getaway in Haut-Languedoc, you may come across mysterious stones, erected in the landscape like silent sentinels. These sculpted stones, called statue-menhirs, are among the hidden treasures of the region. But what do they represent? Deities? Clan chiefs? Geographical landmarks? Their mystery has remained for more than 5000 years…
What is a statue menhir?
A statue-menhir is a large stone planted in the ground, often similar to a menhir, but with engravings that form human figures. Men or women, these statues date from the Neolithic and were the silent witnesses of the first inhabitants of the region. These farmers and herders, ancestors of today's farmers, left these sculpted stones to testify to their existence.
Fascinating human forms
Female statues are recognizable by their breasts and multi-row necklaces. Male statues, for their part, often carry weapons such as a bow, an arrow, or an axe, as well as a baldric crossing their chest, with a suspended dagger. .
Some statues have even been modified over time, for example, by feminizing male figures by adding attributes such as breasts or necklaces.
We recommend
Dive into the history of the statue-menhirs
To learn more about these ancient mysteries, head to Murat-sur-Vèbre and visit the Megaliths Interpretation Centre. There, you will discover the world of the first Neolithic farmers and herders, while admiring around fifteen statue-menhirs, both authentic and reproduced.
Megaliths Interpretation Centre
10, rue de la salle des fêtes
81320 Murat-sur-Vèbre
Tel.: +33 5 32 11 09 46
Self-guided visits:
From September to June:
In July and August :
Guided tours :
In July and August :
You may also like
