St-Gilles-Vieux-Marche
Menhir of Callac
This month I visited the schist country between Gouarec and Mûr-de-Bretagne. It is one of Central Brittany's most beautiful regions and includes the Quénécan forest, the rocky Daoulas gorge - topped with its famous dolmens - the tumultuous Poulancre river, numerous shady woods and also wind-swept heaths. However, what had brought me here today was the menhir to the north of St-Gilles-Vieux-Marché. It is not far from the town, and I decided to reach it by foot - an excellent decision, as there is really no better way to appreciate the prehistoric treasures of the past.
The menhir is not exceptionally tall, measuring a little under four metres, and is, like everything in the region, made of schist. It is just beside the road, near a farm and set in pastureland. The stone commands a pleasant view over the outlying countryside, and the nearby hamlet of Callac.
Access: The menhir is clearly visible from the road, but if there are cows in the field, it may be necessary to scramble under an electric fence to get up close.
Directions: St-Gilles-Vieux-Marché is proud of its menhir. The stone is signposted from the town 'Menhir des Champs-Callac'. Once outside the town, take the right fork in the road, and the menhir soon becomes visible, on the left after the farm.
next month i will be visiting the BRO AR CHISTR PER - pear cider country (south of Quenecan)
more coming on-line soon...