Dolmen de la Maison des Fées, Neolithic dolmen in Miré, France.
The Dolmen de la Maison des Fées is a burial chamber built from sandstone blocks, supported by four vertical pillars and topped with a large trapezoidal capstone. The structure consists of rough natural stones stacked together, showing the straightforward construction methods used in prehistoric times.
This structure dates to the Neolithic period and belongs to a large group of burial sites built across western France. Official recognition as a protected historical monument came in 1911, marking its importance for archaeological research.
The monument's name comes from local folklore about fairies and magical beings associated with prehistoric tombs. Visitors today can see grooves and indentations on the capstone that local stories interpret as traces left by these legendary figures.
The site is located in Miré and can be reached by local roads, though it sits in rural surroundings. Planning ahead with directions is helpful since the monument is not widely signposted, and visitors should wear sturdy shoes for walking on uneven ground.
Road construction work in the 20th century damaged one of the support pillars, leaving visible marks on the northwestern corner of the site. These scars remain visible today and serve as a reminder of how modern changes can affect ancient monuments.
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