Carnac Standing Stones

• Stones~3,000
• Age~6,000 years
• UNESCOSince 2025
• Time2–3 h

The alignments of Carnac are one of the largest collections of standing stones in the world. Roughly 3,000 menhirs were raised here in the Neolithic era, about six thousand years ago, and arranged in long parallel rows. Why they were built remains a mystery: theories range from astronomical calendars to ceremonial routes.

The main alignments

• Ménec: the largest, with over 1,000 stones and a visitor centre, the Maison des Mégalithes.
• Kermario: impressive tall stones, with a viewing tower.
• Kerlescan: smaller and quieter, with a stone enclosure.

Visiting

The stones are fenced to protect them from erosion. You can see them well from the paths around the fields. In the quieter months, typically from autumn to spring, some areas are opened for free access; in summer, guided visits take you inside. Check the Maison des Mégalithes for current arrangements.

UNESCO

In 2025 the "Megaliths of Carnac and of the shores of Morbihan" were inscribed on the World Heritage List, covering sites across the area including Locmariaquer and Gavrinis.

Nearby

• The Tumulus Saint-Michel, a huge burial mound in Carnac.
• The Museum of Prehistory in Carnac town.
• The Locmariaquer megaliths, with the broken Grand Menhir.

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