Saint-Michel tumulus, Prehistoric burial mound in Carnac, France
The Saint-Michel tumulus is a Neolithic burial mound in Carnac built from earth and stone, rising prominently from the surrounding landscape. Inside, it contains multiple burial chambers connected by passageways, showing how Neolithic people structured their communal tombs.
The mound was built during the Neolithic period, likely around 4500 BC, to serve as a communal burial place for many people. In the 1800s, archaeologists excavated the site and uncovered tools, weapons, and other objects from that distant era.
Neolithic communities viewed this burial mound as a final resting place for the deceased, and this spiritual belief shaped its careful construction and layout. The place still conveys how people of that era valued honoring and remembering their dead.
The mound is accessible on foot and visitors can climb to the top to explore the site and views of the surrounding area. Wearing sturdy shoes is recommended, and caution is needed in wet weather since the ground can become slippery.
A small chapel sits atop the mound, a surprising feature that most visitors do not expect to find on such an ancient burial ground. The chapel shows how people through the centuries have added their own religious expressions to this sacred location.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
