Protective tombs, they are the guardians of ancestral funerary chambers. Explore the circuits of the dolmens of Martiel and Foissac and let yourself be carried away by a natural history dating back more than 4000 years.
The dolmens, surprising stone constructions
Explore the territory of the Bastides and Gorges of the Aveyron in the footsteps of our ancestors. On your walk, let yourself be surprised by mysterious and intriguing constructions: the dolmens.
The term dolmen comes to us from the Breton dole, table and man, Pierre. But what were they for? Built at the prehistory, these buildings are funerary monuments having housed collective burials. At the turn of your walk, they will impress you with their sometimes imposing size. Consisting of large slabs of cover placed on vertical stones serving as feet, they raise a major question… How did they do it?!
Imagine the techniques and tricks that Neolithic men had to put in place to build megaliths and dive back more than 4 years...
Aveyron, land of dolmens?
Did you think our Breton friends had a monopoly on menhirs, dolmens , and other megalithic structures ? Think again! Aveyron is actually the French department with the most dolmens! There are nearly 1,000 of them in Aveyron. While smaller than those in Brittany, they are surprisingly concentrated. You can sometimes see 5 to 10 of them within just a few meters!
Why such a high concentration? Experts refer to the "law of limestone," according to which limestone soils are ideal for the construction of dolmens. Our Causse region is therefore a prime location for observing them!
The circuits of the dolmens
Several routes allow you to discover these ancient treasures! Put on your sneakers, slip a small snack into your backpack and set off to explore the trails of the Causse.
In Foissac , Martiel , or Laramière , enjoy an enchanting natural setting for a walk in the oak woods . Here, nature rhymes with adventure! With your family, explore the marked trails and come face to face with these prehistoric monuments. Take the time to observe the surrounding flora, the limestone landscapes, and its small heritage sites: caselles (dry stone huts), dovecotes…
Follow us to discover the dolmens of Foissac. In the heart of nature, follow the paths between oaks and junipers on the trail of these large monolithic stones
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Fans of prehistory and nature? Come and discover our caves and other prehistoric sites that you might like!
