Miers: Dolmens, Prehistory and Art Nouveau

If you are looking for a hotel in Miers, you can choose your destination based on a clear thematic profile: prehistory and dolmens, Art Nouveau architecture, and local produce. Specific points of interest include the Archéosite des Fieux, the Pavillon des Eaux and several named cultural heritage sites.

Prehistory at the Archéosite des Fieux

The Archéosite des Fieux offers interactive activities about prehistory and children’s workshops on spear-thrower shooting, fire, flint, music and painting. The two-hour visitor tour includes demonstrations and interactive activities; no reservation is required. As both the programme and seasonal access may vary, check which activities are available on your visit date before you go.

The archaeological background includes a natural cave used by prehistoric people as a game trap for almost 80,000 years, and a grotto with paintings and engravings. The Fieux site therefore highlights both the long history of human use of the area and decorated cave surfaces: two different aspects of prehistory.

Art Nouveau at the Pavillon des Eaux

Another period and architectural focus is the Pavillon des Eaux at the Source Salmière in Miers. Joachim Richard designed the building, which was constructed between 1904 and 1906 to house a new drinking pavilion. An example of early 20th-century Art Nouveau, it features geometric and floral decorations as well as coloured glazing. Geometric forms create clear accents, floral decorations draw on plant motifs, and the glazing adds colour to the design. The pavilion thus represents a different era from the prehistoric remains.

Circular walk and planning your time

The Les Dolmens de Miers circular walk is easy, 6.7 kilometres long, and starts in Miers at the Archéosite des Fieux. Its route passes dolmens across the Causse de Gramat and includes ten points of interest. The estimated duration is two and a half hours. For comparison, the visitor tour lasts two hours, while the walk is estimated to take two and a half. Check the route details before setting out.

Dolmens and ruins in Miers

The Dolmen de la Pierre levée is listed as a Historic Monument. Its tumulus is two metres high and 25 metres in diameter. The Dolmen de Barrière 1 lies in a tumulus 23 metres in diameter, is one of the three dolmens in the Barrières sector, and is dated to around 5,000 years ago. At the Dolmen de Sabadel, the tumulus is still clearly visible; only the rear end slab and one side support slab of the burial chamber remain. The features therefore differ from one monument to another: the dimensions are the main point of interest at Pierre levée; Barrière 1 also has an approximate date and belongs to the Barrières sector; and Sabadel is distinguished by the surviving parts of its burial chamber.

The ruins of the Hameau de Barrières form an almost unique heritage ensemble in the Quercy. The remains of around ten houses with agricultural outbuildings have survived.

Local produce

Local production is another distinct aspect: La Ferme de Borie in Miers makes foie gras, terrines, rillettes and ready meals using ducks, poultry and Aubrac cattle raised on the farm. The product range may change.

Discover more destinations: Cassagnes, Teyssieu, Saint-Pantaléon, Belmont-Bretenoux, Touzac, Bouziès, Carlucet, Montclera

For the broader travel overview: Lot.