en.infoglobe.cz » France, Britanny – Megaliths and Saint-Malo

France, Britanny – Megaliths and Saint-Malo

Published: 18.11.2016
Today we leave Normandy and move to the west, to the neighboring cultural-historical region of Britanny.

The name for the area originates in the Roman name of Britannia. You are not mistaken if you think it is linked to Britain. In Latin Britannia means "the land of the Brits". Morever, Britanny is often called Little Britain. The region covers 27 tisíc km2. It is home to 3,2 million people.

Britanny has been settled by the Neanderthales in the early Paleolite already. Plouhinec Commune situated right at the Atlantic Ocean coastline. The oldest fireplace was found there. Our ancestors set it about 450 thousand years ago.

Table des Merchands

Megaliths were being constructed during the Neolithic Age in Britanny. There are so many of them that the region is considered the core of the Megalithic culture. Golfe du Morbian gulf is considered the most important megalith locality. They say there are so many islands in the gulf as there are days in a year. You can find there gigantic menhirs, stepped pyramids, stone circles, dolmensetc.

Let's take a look at Er Grah in Locmariaquer commune. This menhir was raised in about 4 700 B.C. The 20-meter long, 330 tonnes stone bloc is the largest single stone ever raised in the Neolithic age.  It fell down and broke into several large chunks around 4th millenia B.C. The newest research, however, claims that somebody toppled the bloc in purposel.

Er Grah

Near Er Grah, there is Table des Merchands, a huge dolmen (a burial memorial made of large stone blocs with a stone desk covering it). The Neolithic people used partially stones from the broken menhir. Inside the dolmen, there are depictions of an axe and an ox-pulled plough.

Next to mysterious megaliths you should visit Saint-Malo, a small port town which is the most popular touirst destination in Britanny. It has kept its form as a medieval town. In the past, however, it was known as a place frequented by corsairs. Its nickname – cité corsaire was very much appropriate. By teh way, Jacquest Cartier set sails from here to his exploration. This sailor is considered the discoverer of Canada. Malmo was also the home of the first colonists who set foot on the Falkland Islands.

Saint-Malo

During the WWII the city center was completely obliterated only the town walls survived. Fortunately, a renovation after the war rebuilt the city in its original tone there are even narrow streets and granite houses.

Saint-Malo

We also recommend you to get on the 12th century city wall. The circuit takes about an hour. The vistas atop the wall are splendid and even better from atop the bastions. Should you be interested in detailed history of the city visit Château de St-Malo (built by the counts of Britanny during the 15th and 16th centuries). It is the residence of Musée d'Histoire de St-Malo. It introduces you to the political history and also the history of every day. You will learn about famous locals such as the aforementioned Cartier, the writer Chateaubriand or "the king of corsairs" Surcouf. There are amazing vistas from the chateau tower.

GPS: (Saint-Malo) 48°39'03.5"N 2°01'24.6"W

 

Text: Maxim Kucer

Photos: Wikipedia.org: Myrabella, Myrabella (2), Nataraja, Fabos, Pline



Discussion at the article (0)


Related Articles

France, Normandy – Le Mont-Saint-Michel
Published: 13.10.2022
War movies fans think of Normandy mostly as the landing site for the Allied invasion in July 1944. However, Normandy has long and rich history. Its flag has three golden leopards. The people of Normandy call them „les treis cats“ - the three cats

France, Normandy – American Cemetery and Other Interesting Places
Published: 20.10.2022
After amazing Le Mont-Saint-Michel one wouldn’t believe there is something else as amazing as this place. Still, we have several tips for you where to go.

France, Burgundy – Cluny, Vézelay, Dijon
Published: 15.12.2021
Our travels across France’s historical regions goes on to the east. Burgundy is our destination of today.

France, Gascony – Hedonist's Paradise
Published: 17.11.2021
Gascony is another of France's historic regions we visit on our journeys in France. It is situated in the southwest of the country bordering Spain. Wavy fields, empty roads, sun flowers, and peace are typical images of this region.

France, Brittany – The Land of Megaliths, Celtic Culture, and Raging Atlantic
Published: 18.4.2019
Would you like to visit a place full of breathtaking natural beauty and interesting culture on your travels, set out in the wilderness, drift away with the catchy rhythms of traditional music and culinary specialties, but do not want to travel too far? That Europe is said to be too civilized? I will tell you the truth. Simply go and visit Brittany.

France, Brittany – Rennes
Published: 25.11.2016
We continue in our walks across Brittany by stopping in Rennes. This city is situated in the heart of the region to which it is also the capital. Some often think that Nantes is the capital for it is the largest city in the region. Rennes is a great place to learn about the culture of northern France. The Canal d'Ille-et-Rance navigation channel links the Ille with the Rance. Rennes thus has river connection with Saint-Malo and the English Channel.

France, Brittany – Nantes I
Published: 2.12.2016
Upon a stop in Rennes, the capital of Brittany, we take a look at Nantes - the most populous city in Brittany and sixth largest city in France. TImes called Nantes the best European city to live in.

France, Brittany – Nantes II
Published: 9.12.2016
It would be a pitty to leave Nantes after a short visit last time. This time we are going there to get to know the city little bit better. It is worth it.


Related Photogallery

France – Fragments of This Beautiful Country
France (the French Republic), a country mostly located in western Europe. The official language i...

France, Paris: The City of Inspiration
Anyway you go in French metropolis you see history personified in fabulous architecture. Butiques...

Place

Czech republic

Partners:

We were awarded the certificate even thanks to you!

Dôveryhodná firma 2017

 

Guide:

Important Information:

Information and warnings on travelling abroad is to be found HERE.

Mobile application:

aplikácia Infoglobe

stiahnuť zadarmo pre Androidstiahnuť zadarmo pre iPhone

 

 

Today:thursday 28. 3. 2024
Holiday:Soňa
Today:
thursday 28.3.
6 °C
Tomorrow:
friday 29.3.
5 °C

TIP: INFOGLOBE app is available for your device, download HERE.

X

TIP: INFOGLOBE app is available for your device, download HERE.

X