The cairn of Gavrinis encloses a 14 m long corridor dolmen, at the end of which is a quasi-square, 2.50 m wide burial chamber. In 1979, major excavations and restoration work were conducted and profoundly improved knowledge of this monument: there are animal engravings on the concealed face of the tomb chamber’s roof slab.

This 23-ton piece fits perfectly into another piece, located at the Table des Marchands in Locmariaquer, about 4 km away. Archaeologist Charles-Tanguy Le Roux has demonstrated that these fragments came from a single 14 m high stele, probably erected near the Broken Menhir of Er Grah.

This discovery is evidence of the reuse of stones and the evolution of monuments that are linked to each other. It also demonstrates the ability of the Neolithics to convey such loads over long distances and by sea.

The cairn of Gavrinis is the first fully digitized monument. With this incredible tool, the site is gradually revealing to researchers the complexity and richness of the stunning ornamental figures that cover nearly all the slabs.

Tip: get the twin ticket cairn de Petit Mont + cairn de Gavrinis !