Dolmen de Bagneux, Neolithic dolmen in Saumur, France.
The Dolmen de Bagneux is a megalithic monument in Saumur made of enormous stone slabs arranged to form a rectangular burial chamber. The structure spans about 23 meters in length and stands out for its unpolished natural stones stacked in a simple but solid way.
This megalithic structure was built around 5,000 years ago during the Neolithic and served as a burial site for multiple community members. It represents a time when large stone monuments were created across western Europe as enduring marks of settlement and social connection.
The name comes from the surrounding region and recalls the communities who lived here and laid their ancestors to rest in this stone chamber. Visitors can still see how the massive blocks were arranged to create a place where rituals and burials took place.
The site sits on private property and access is limited, but visitors can view it from the outside and find information panels at the entrance. It is best to check opening hours beforehand and be prepared for uneven ground and outdoor walking.
The interior chamber extends about 18 meters, making this the largest megalithic burial chamber in France and the second largest in Europe overall. Its remarkable size reveals how important this place was to those who built it and used it across many generations.
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