Hypogées de Fontvieille, Neolithic underground burial chambers in Fontvieille, France

The Fontvieille hypogea are four Neolithic tombs cut into limestone and roofed with megalithic slabs. The largest, the Cordes hypogeum, has a 25 m long gallery whose ceiling slabs are 0.70 to 1.30 m thick. A monumental staircase 10.50 m long and 2.70 m wide leads down into the monument.

These underground structures were built during the Neolithic period as shared burial spaces for entire communities. Archaeologists discovered the remains of more than one hundred individuals from this distant time within them.

Local tradition links the Cordes hypogeum to the Fées, the Tarasque and Roland of Roncevaux, whose sword Durandal was said to rest here; seen from above, the plan resembles a medieval sword. Other tales tell of a treasure hidden by the Moors and guarded by a serpent or a druid asleep for a thousand years. Only the Castelet hypogeum is open to visitors; the others stand on private land.

Visitors can currently enter only the Castellet hypogeum, as the other three chambers sit on private property. It is wise to check ahead about opening times and access, since visits to this site may be limited.

One chamber is linked in local folklore to the Sword of Roland and features a colossal broken stone slab standing about 7 meters high. This legendary association has been passed down through generations and gives this site a special place in the region's imagination.