Locmariaquer combines a self-guided tour of megalithic monuments with coastal paths, dolmens and activities on the water. When planning your visit, it is worth keeping the different highlights in mind: a tour at your own pace, seasonal activities, published walking-route information and destinations around the Golfe du Morbihan.
Discover Megaliths at Your Own Pace
The “Site des mégalithes de Locmariaquer” offers a self-guided walk along a route around three megalithic monuments: the Grand Menhir brisé, the Tumulus d’Er Grah and the Cairn de la Table des Marchands. Staff share the history of these three structures throughout the year. Seasonal archaeology education activities on prehistoric techniques are also available, including weaving, pottery and body adornment. If you would like to include these activities in your plans, check the dates before your trip.
The monuments differ in form and 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 metres long and 30 metres wide. The Dolmen de la Table des Marchands is a passage grave with several carved capstones. The tour therefore introduces you to different aspects of megalithic culture, rather than just a single monument.
More Dolmens and Historic Traces
The Dolmen du Mané-Rutual also features a distinctive design: it is a passage grave with a long corridor and a double chamber. Decorated stelae were reused in its construction. The Dolmen du Mané-Lud is notable for an especially extensive repertoire of ornaments associated with passage graves. The dolmen is freely accessible; check access conditions before your visit.
Another historic trace leads to the Romanesque church of Notre Dame de Kerdro. Its transept and choir, dating from the 11th century, have survived. The Romanesque transept and apse were added to the supplementary inventory of Monuments historiques in 1925. This means you can explore Romanesque architecture in Locmariaquer as well as prehistory.
Coastal Paths, Beach and Boat Trips
The Circuit des mégalithes de Locmariaquer follows the coastal path to the Dolmen des Pierres Plates and offers views over the Bay of Quiberon. The dolmen is owned by the French state, has been classified as a Monument historique since 1882 and is now situated on land belonging to the Conservatoire du littoral. The Sentier des mégalithes de Locmariaquer is listed as 10 kilometres long, with a walking time of 2 hours and 10 minutes. Check these route details again before setting out.
The Plage de Saint Pierre and the Anse de Ster er Vered are considered suitable spots for board sports. Swimming at low tide calls for a different point of reference: only one beach in Locmariaquer is then easy to swim at.
The port of Locmariaquer is a starting point for trips to the many islands of the Golfe du Morbihan, the open sea and the Bay of Quiberon. The Société Nautique de Locmariaquer also offers outings aboard five Hobie Island adventure trimarans to explore the gulf, its rivers and the Bay of Quiberon. The boats are accessible to everyone. Opening times and availability may vary; check the dates for your trip in advance.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Guidel-Plages, Moustoir-Ac, Kervignac, Langoëlan, Sauzon, Taupont, Monteneuf, Ploërmel.
Return to the main travel overview: Morbihan.
