Carnac Alignments
Alignements de Carnac
The largest stone alignments in the world, with about 3,000 standing stones stretching across 4 km. They are a symbol of Brittany's prehistoric civilisation.
The Carnac stone alignments were built roughly between 4500 and 3300 BC. They consist of three main groups, Ménec, Kermario and Kerlescan, with about 3,000 granite standing stones arranged in more than ten rows that gradually decrease in height from west to east. Their purpose remains a mystery. The Ménec visitor centre explains the background and offers guided tours. To protect the vegetation, the stones are often fenced off in summer, so you can only view them from the outer walkway or join a guided tour inside. In winter, some areas are open for free wandering. Kermario has a viewing tower overlooking the stones. Cycling along the alignments is a great way to explore, and guided tours cost about EUR 11.
Opening hours
Grounds open all day; visitor center about 10:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Tumulus Saint-Michel
- Musée de Préhistoire de Carnac
- Grande Plage de Carnac
- La Trinité-sur-Mer
- Côte Sauvage of Quiberon
- Port Saint-Goustan, Auray
- Locmariaquer Megaliths
- Pointe de Kerpenhir