Tombeau de Merlin, Megalithic burial site in Paimpont Forest, France.
Tombeau de Merlin is an ancient gallery grave built with purple schist stones positioned in a linear arrangement. The structure sits within Paimpont Forest and shows signs of its long history, with some original stones still standing after centuries of weathering.
Research published in the early 1800s identified this location as tied to Arthurian legend, cementing its role in local stories. The structure originally held two separate chambers before damage from treasure seekers in the 1800s reduced it to what visitors see today.
The site is associated with the legend of the wizard Merlin, and visitors leave wishes and notes tucked between the stones. This practice has turned the place into a spot of quiet devotion and personal connection that goes beyond its archaeological value.
The site sits in a forest setting and is best visited during daylight hours to see the stones clearly and navigate safely. Access can be limited during hunting season from September through March, so planning a visit outside these months works better.
The site originally contained two parallel burial chambers that are no longer fully visible today. This lost layout shows how important the burial ground once was before treasure hunters damaged it beyond recognition.
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