"Brittany's second-tallest menhir, said to have fallen from the sky to stop a fratricide, slowly sinking until the end of the world"
Menhir de Champ-Dolent
Dol-de-Bretagne, Brittany, France
Nine and a half meters of pinkish granite rise from a field near Dol-de-Bretagne—100 tonnes hauled four kilometers by people who left no written record. Legend says the stone fell from the sky to separate two brothers about to kill each other, blood flowing enough to turn a millwheel. Another legend says it is sinking, slowly, into the earth—and when it disappears, the world will end. Historic Monument since 1889.
Weather & Best Time
Plan Your Visit
Save this site and start planning your journey.
Quick Facts
Location
Dol-de-Bretagne, Brittany, France
Tradition
Site Type
Coordinates
48.5343, -1.7368
Last Updated
Jan 18, 2026
The menhir is part of Brittany's rich megalithic heritage, one of the finest examples of what Neolithic peoples raised for reasons we can no longer recover.
Origin Story
Erected between 5000 and 4000 BC—precise dating uncertain. Legend says the stone fell from heaven to separate two feuding brothers about to commit fratricide, their blood already soaking the field that gave the menhir its name: Champ Dolent, Field of Sorrow. (Linguists note that 'dolent' more likely derives from Breton 'dolenn,' meaning meadow.)
Key Figures
Joseph Déchelette
French archaeologist who called it 'one of the most beautiful menhirs in France'
Spiritual Lineage
Part of Brittany's megalithic culture (c. 5000-4000 BC). Historic Monument since 1889. Connected by legend to Mont Saint-Michel (Devil's throw).
Know a Sacred Site We Should Include?
Help us expand our collection of sacred sites. Share your knowledge and contribute to preserving the world's spiritual heritage.