Alignements de Kerlescan at Carnac
Kerlescan Alignments · Carnac Kerlescan · Kerlescan Rows and Cromlech
Middle to Late Neolithic (c.4800–3500 BCE)·Armorican Neolithic (Carnac tradition)·🇫🇷 Brittany, Morbihan (Carnac), France
About
About Alignements de Kerlescan at Carnac
Easternmost major alignment ensemble within the Carnac megalithic complex: 13 parallel rows of granite menhirs (~555 stones) over 880 m length, terminating west in a distinctive semicircular cromlech (horseshoe) enclosure ~100 m diameter containing the giant menhir 'Le Géant du Manio' 6.5 m high 500 m beyond, plus Kerlescan tumulus with passage grave. Built c.4800–3500 BCE. Rows splay fanwise east to west, stones increasing in size westward. Cromlech forms ritual terminal. All within Carnac UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List (with Ménec, Kermario) for 2025–26 nomination.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Why 13 rows at Kerlescan vs 11 at Ménec and 10 at Kermario — numerical symbolism
- 02Function of horseshoe cromlech — assembly enclosure or boundary
Theories
- 01Alignments as processional avenues linking Carnac plain to Manio ritual focus
- 02Cumulative construction over millennium reflecting lineage competition
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 4800–3500 BCE
- Period
- Middle to Late Neolithic (c.4800–3500 BCE)
- Culture
- Armorican Neolithic (Carnac tradition)
- Purpose
- Ceremonial alignments with terminal cromlech — astronomical/territorial processional avenue
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 4800–3500 BCE
Initial construction
c. 1162 CE
Major expansion
On the ground
Structures & features
47.6067° N · 3.0575° W · 18 m · 3 mapped features
13 Rows (555 menhirs)
alignment880 m fan of granite menhir rows splaying east to west
47.6067° N · 3.0575° WKerlescan Cromlech (Horseshoe)
cromlechSemicircular enclosure 100 m diameter terminating rows at west
47.6062° N · 3.0585° WGéant du Manio (Manio Giant)
menhirIsolated 6.5 m menhir 500 m west of cromlech on ridge
47.6060° N · 3.0650° W
Gallery