Menhirs d'Époigny, Neolithic menhir alignment in Couches, France
The Menhirs of Époigny consist of seven granite standing stones arranged in a V-shape on a plateau overlooking the Dheune Valley. The largest stone stands approximately 7 meters high and forms the focal point of this Neolithic arrangement.
These stones were erected roughly 5000 years ago during the Neolithic period to mark the boundary between the Saône and Loire river basins. The location sat near ancient pathways where people traveled and traded across the region.
The tallest stone displays engravings showing human figures, cup marks, and stylized axes on its southern face, revealing how Neolithic people expressed themselves through carving. These patterns offer insights into what mattered to the communities who gathered at this location.
The site sits at 457 meters altitude on an open plateau and is accessible by turning toward Saint-Pierre-de-Varennes from the Autun road coming from Couches. The open location makes it easy to spot and reach on foot once you find the marked area.
The granite blocks originated from the Bouvier massif and were transported across roughly 8 kilometers to reach this plateau, a remarkable feat for Neolithic builders. Some stones weighed up to 30 tons, requiring coordination among many people to move and position them.
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