Locmariaquer: Megaliths, Coast and Harbor

You can choose Locmariaquer for a hotel stay based on a range of interests: prehistoric monuments, coastal paths and maritime activities all shape the character of the town. The megalithic site is particularly striking; a coastal path, the harbor and the beaches also offer specific ways to combine culture and coast.

Explore the Megaliths at Your Own Pace

At the Site des mégalithes de Locmariaquer, a self-guided tour follows a path around three megalithic monuments. You can explore the sites at your own pace. Staff explain the history of the Grand Menhir brisé, the Tumulus d’Er Grah and the Cairn de la Table des Marchands throughout the year. Archaeology educators also offer seasonal activities on prehistoric techniques, such as weaving, pottery and body adornment. If you would like to include these activities in your plans, check the dates before your trip.

Monuments and Building History

The Grand-Menhir de Locmariaquer is the only surviving element of a stone row that was destroyed as early as the Neolithic period. The Tumulus d’Er Grah is a tomb measuring 168 meters long and 30 meters wide. The Dolmen de la Table des Marchands is a passage tomb with several decorated capstones. These different shapes and sizes give each visit its own focus.

Other dolmens also feature distinctive architectural details. The Dolmen du Mané-Rutual is a passage tomb with a long corridor and a double chamber; decorated stelae were reused inside it. The Dolmen du Mané-Lud features a particularly extensive range of passage tomb ornaments. The dolmen is freely accessible; check local access conditions before your visit. The Dolmen des Pierres Plates is owned by the French state, has been classified as a Monument historique since 1882, and is now located within an area managed by the Conservatoire du littoral.

The town’s architectural history also includes the Romanesque church of Notre Dame de Kerdro. Its transept and choir, dating from the 11th century, have survived. The transept and apse were added to the supplementary inventory of Monuments historiques in 1925.

Walking Trails and Coast

The Circuit des mégalithes de Locmariaquer follows the coastal path to the Dolmen des Pierres Plates and offers views of the Bay of Quiberon. The Sentier des mégalithes de Locmariaquer is listed as 10 kilometers long, with a stated walking time of 2 hours and 10 minutes. The two trail descriptions emphasize different things: the Circuit focuses on a specific monument and the views, while the Sentier gives the distance and walking time. Check these details again before your walk.

Coastal interests also vary. Plage de Saint Pierre and Anse de Ster er Vered are considered suitable spots for board sports. At only one beach in Locmariaquer is it easy to swim even at low tide. If you choose a beach based on these conditions, keep in mind that this applies to just one beach.

Harbor and Excursions

The harbor of Locmariaquer is a starting point for trips to the many islands in the Golfe du Morbihan, the open sea and the Bay of Quiberon. The Société Nautique de Locmariaquer offers excursions with a fleet of five Hobie Island adventure trimarans, allowing you to explore the Golfe du Morbihan, its rivers and the Bay of Quiberon. The boats are accessible to everyone. Opening days and availability may vary; check the offered dates and availability before your trip.

Locmariaquer therefore offers a range of ways to plan your trip: the history of the megaliths, a listed walking route, or activities on and by the water. You can decide which aspect matters most to you by looking at the specific monuments, trails and activities on offer.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Pérello, Carentoir, Le Saint, Lanvaudan, Gâvres, Noyal-Muzillac, Belz, Saint Gorgon.

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