Bois des Géantes dolmens

Bois des Géantes dolmens is a group of six megalithic burial chambers scattered across 750 meters within the Laoul forest. Each structure displays distinct architectural styles, with chamber volumes ranging from small to quite large depending on their construction method.

These burial structures were built between 3000 and 2200 BCE by Neolithic communities as communal tombs for successive generations. They were first recorded in 1830 when a local surveyor documented them and mistakenly identified them as druid temples.

The site takes its name from Jayandes, meaning giants, reflecting ancient beliefs about the superhuman builders of these massive structures. Walking through the forest today, visitors can see how local memory has preserved this connection to a mythical past.

Access to the site is via marked paths through the forest, with parking available near the D358 road. The local tourism office can arrange guided tours, which are helpful for understanding the archaeological context of each structure.

Each chamber varies significantly in internal volume, ranging from about 3 to 10 cubic meters, revealing how different Neolithic communities built over many centuries. These differences allow visitors to observe the evolution of construction techniques during this long period firsthand.

Location: Bourg-Saint-Andéol

Address: Les Joyandes

GPS coordinates: 44.36816,4.58127

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:51