Menhir de Chantecoq ou Mère-aux-Cailles, Neolithic menhir in Ymeray, France.
The Menhir de Chantecoq is a stone monument standing several meters tall, made of granite and built during the Neolithic period. Its substantial size demonstrates the effort and skill required to raise such a structure in the ancient French countryside.
This ancient structure dates back to the Neolithic age and was not officially recognized until the early 20th century. Its classification as a historical monument in 1909 ensured its preservation for future generations.
The monument carries two distinct names, Chantecoq and Mère-aux-Cailles, reflecting local folklore and traditional narratives passed through generations. These names tell of the people who lived in this area and shared their legends with those who came after them.
Access to this site requires awareness of surrounding private property and local access routes. Visitors interested in guided information should check for special heritage days or local tour availability throughout the year.
The ancient stone monument bears modern graffiti on its surface, creating an unexpected contrast between a prehistoric structure and contemporary expression. These marks show how present-day visitors interact with this thousands-of-years-old object and what traces they leave behind.
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