The Menhir de Champ-Dolent is a massive standing stone located about 2 kilometers south of Dol-de-Bretagne in Brittany, France. It is considered one of the largest and most impressive menhirs in Brittany and all of France.
The menhir stands between 9.3 to 9.5 meters (30-31 feet) tall above ground, with an estimated total height of nearly 13 meters including the portion buried underground. It has an oval shape and is made of pink granite, with a circumference of 8.7 meters at its widest point. The stone is estimated to weigh around 100 tonnes.
This megalith dates back to the Neolithic or Bronze Age period, though its exact age is unknown. It was quarried from granite outcrops about 4 kilometers away and transported to its current location, demonstrating the impressive engineering capabilities of prehistoric peoples. The menhir was Christianized in the 19th century with the addition of a cross on top, though this cross has since been removed.
The Menhir de Champ-Dolent was classified as a historic monument of France in 1889. It is situated in a small fenced area with picnic tables, allowing visitors to view the impressive stone up close.
The Menhir de Champ-Dolent, is surrounded by several intriguing legends that add to its mystique:
The Battle of the Brothers: One of the most widespread legends tells of a fierce battle between two brothers and their armies. The conflict was so brutal that the blood of the fallen flowed down into the valley, powering a mill wheel. As the brothers were about to strike each other down, the massive stone either fell from the sky or rose from the ground, separating them and ending the battle. This legend is sometimes linked to a historical battle in 560 AD between Clotaire I, King of the Franks, and his son Chramme.
Satan’s Wrath: Another legend connects the menhir to the founding of St. Samson Cathedral in Dol-de-Bretagne. According to this tale, Satan was standing atop Mont Dol when he spotted St. Samson building a cathedral nearby. Enraged by the Christian encroachment on what he considered his territory, Satan hurled a massive stone towards the cathedral. The rock struck the north tower, causing damage, before landing in its current location.
The Sinking Stone: A more mystical legend suggests that the menhir sinks imperceptibly into the ground each time someone dies. This process is said to continue until the stone disappears entirely, at which point the world will end and the Day of Judgment will arrive.
The Fertility Stone: At one point, the menhir was associated with fertility rituals. Young women hoping to conceive would reportedly rub against the stone to increase their chances of becoming pregnant.
