Barnenez

Barnenez is a Neolithic burial mound in Plouezoc'h, Brittany, stretching across 72 meters and rising up to 8 meters high. It consists of two side-by-side structures with a total of 11 burial chambers, each accessible through its own corridor.

The first phase of construction took place between 4850 and 4000 BC, using around 14,000 tons of stone. Later, the structure was extended to the east, adding a second section with additional chambers.

Inside, carved motifs appear on the large stones, including bows and wave patterns left by Neolithic people. A figure known as the Dolmen Goddess recurs on several surfaces throughout the chambers.

The site is open throughout the year and offers guided visits that explain the building methods and archaeological finds. The route leads through the corridors into the chambers, where visitors can view the interior spaces.

Each of the eleven corridors leads to a chamber built in its own way, some with heavy stone slabs and others with stacked smaller stones. This variety shows that the builders used different methods over the centuries and developed their knowledge further.

Location: Plouezoc'h

Inception: 5 Millenium BCE

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible

Opening Hours: April 01-April 30,September 05-March 31 10:00-12:30,14:00-17:30; May 02-June 30 10:00-12:30,14:00-18:30; July 01-September 04 10:00-18:30

Website: http://barnenez.fr

GPS coordinates: 48.66750,-3.85861

Latest update: December 13, 2025 18:55