Visit Carnac and its surroundings
The commune of Carnac is known for its alignments composed of 2934 menhirs, as well as for its seaside resort.
Carnac is located on the northern limit of Mor braz, on the Atlantic coast, between the Gulf of Morbihan to the east and the Quiberon peninsula to the west. It is a very vast coastal town which offers a protected stretch of water for most of its fine sandy beaches.
In 1974, a thalassotherapy centre was created, built on part of the dried-up saltworks. There are still a few saltworks but they are no longer in use. The Barrière de Carnac casino was built opposite them.
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** L’histoire de Carnac: D’une vie préhistorique à une station balnéaire
** Carnac fut probablement occupé sans interruption depuis le Ve millénaire av. J.-C., période de la construction du tumulus Saint Michel (au Néolithique). À la base, il est long de 125 mètres, large de 60 mètres, et mesure 12 mètres de haut. Il a nécessité 35 000 mètres cubes de pierres et de terre. C'est un tombeau pour les membres d'une élite, il contenait divers objets funéraires pour la plupart exposés dorénavant au musée de Préhistoire. Puis fut érigée dessus la chapelle.
The alignments are divided into several distinct groups. The Ménec alignments consist of 12 converging rows of menhirs that extend over more than a kilometre, with the remains of stone circles at each end. The largest stones, to the west, reach a height of 4 metres.
A legend says that Saint Cornély, pursued by Roman soldiers, turned around and froze them into stones, today called menhirs.
Around 1875, the Scottish archaeologist James Miln (1819-1881) came to study the site and took Zacharie Le Rouzic (1864-1939) as his guide and assistant. After the death of his mentor, Le Rouzic was the guardian and then curator of the Museum of Prehistory and, although self-taught, he became an internationally recognized specialist in the megaliths of the region.
In 1903, a seaside resort was created on former salt marshes, it developed a lot in the 1950s, making Carnac a two-headed city: Carnac-ville and Carnac-Plage.
Carnac: Resort
Housed in the prestigious natural site of the Bay of Quiberon, Carnac, world-famous for its alignments of menhirs, is divided into 4 complementary worlds:
Beach side:
Relax on the beaches and enjoy the joys of swimming in the sea with your family in complete safety. There is no shortage of activities: catamarans, dinghies, windsurfing boards... For a moment of relaxation and pleasure, the thalassotherapy centre welcomes you all year round.
Megalithic side:
Discover the menhirs, dolmens and other megalithic sites that make Carnac a city with a unique historical heritage in Brittany. There is plenty to do on foot or by bike.
Nature's side:
Take advantage of the 40 kms of hikes to discover Carnac, on foot or by bike. This rich natural heritage often unknown to visitors hides many treasures: fountains, chapels and other natural sites will enchant you!
City side:
A land of legend, Carnac has managed to preserve its authentic and family character. Go to the market to rediscover the atmosphere rich in colours and perfumes of the small local producers.