Cairn de Petit Mont - Arzon
Our wanderlust led us to embark on a thrilling day trip to the enchanting neighboring city of Arzon, nestled in the picturesque landscape of France. The main attraction that piqued our curiosity was the mystical Cairn de Petit Mont, a captivating site boasting megalithic art and traces of the illustrious Neolithic era. To ensure a smooth and seamless journey, I delved into my usual ritual of meticulous online planning. I discovered that reaching our destination would require an hour-long adventure on the renowned TER public transportation system. Without hesitation, we made our way to the Train Station to procure our tickets and board the train. Alas, fate had other plans for us that day. As we arrived at the ticket office, it stood shuttered and inaccessible, leaving us in a perplexing state of uncertainty. Undeterred, we attempted valiantly to secure the elusive train tickets, but our efforts were futile, and frustration began to set in. Just when we were on the verge of conceding defeat and returning home disheartened, a stroke of serendipity intervened. Despite initial frustration, a helpful train attendant revealed that the TER we sought was, in fact, a Bus, not a train. This revelation took us by surprise, as we had traversed France on numerous TER trains without ever encountering this delightful blend of transportation modes. Adapted to the unexpected twist, we quickly located the pickup area and embarked on our delightful journey to Arzon, filled with anticipation for the wonders that awaited.
Having reached Port Du Crouesty in Arzon, we found ourselves a mere 15-minute stroll away from Cairns de Petite Mont. Since the park didn't open until noon, we had some time to spare. Embracing the opportunity, we explored the charming harbor area, marveling at the elegant boats in their slips and strolling along the delightful promenade adorned with charming shops and inviting restaurants, all nestled alongside the serene waters.
After a leisurely walk along the promenade, which offered a delightful array of shops overlooking the picturesque harbor, we found ourselves with some spare time before the ruins were set to open. Deciding to make the most of it, we opted to indulge in a delightful meal and savor the moment.
Having missed breakfast and finding ourselves with an hour wait to walk to our adventure, we stumbled upon a delightful creperie where we settled in for a hearty brunch. The savory crepes and beer proved to be an absolute delight, and we couldn't resist indulging in a sweet crepe for dessert, succumbing to the irresistible allure of their sugary temptation.
Our timing turned out to be perfect, as we arrived just in time for the opening. A brief stroll along a verdant foliage-filled trail led us to the vantage point where Cairn de Petit Mont proudly stood. Just as we reached the trail's last curve, a heartwarming surprise awaited us – none other than the regular diners of Cairn, a friendly local family of goats!
After admiring our first view of the Cairn, we proceeded along the trail to its entrance, which featured a quaint little shop and offered guides for exploring this one-of-a-kind site. While English-speaking tours were absent, one of the guides kindly mentioned his grasp of English and extended an invitation to join the French tour, where he'd share his knowledge with us. Armed with his English skills and my rusty French, we embarked on an enlightening journey, soaking in fascinating insights about this remarkable structure.
The Cairn de Petit Mont, is a truly awe-inspiring sight that captivates the senses. Ascending to its vantage point atop a steep hill, the immense pile of stones emerges like a magnificent sculpture against the backdrop of the stunning French countryside. This ancient megalithic wonder, believed to have been erected around 4,500 years ago, is a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of its creators.
Comprising an estimated 30,000 stones, this enigmatic structure has stood the test of time, with each stone seemingly whispering tales from the distant past. It is widely theorized that the Cairn de Petit Mont served as a sacred burial site for the local Celts, adding an air of mystery and reverence to its already breathtaking presence.
Passing through an entrance adorned by three stones, which evoked strong reminiscences of the stones we had encountered at Stonehenge, we stepped into the lower section of the structure into the burial tomb.
Inside the tomb's interior, the stone walls bear intricate carvings. Among these, one wall boasts a radiant Sunburst motif, while another showcases intricately carved feet. These foot carvings are attributed to the Romans, adding a layer of historical intrigue to the site.
Back in 1943, German troops undertook the construction of a bunker and Flak emplacement in the southeastern corner of the cairn, resulting in the complete destruction of one of its chambers and triggering the collapse of a section. Thankfully, this damaged portion has been meticulously restored since then. The strategic location, commanding a sweeping view over the Morbihan, led to the utilization of this structure as a bunker during that time.Which adds another layer of history to this megolithic site.
Journeying to the Cairn de Petit Mont was a profoundly moving experience that etched its essence into the very core of our being. Even as we said our farewells to that timeless site, the memory of its profound impact continues to linger in our thoughts. It's as if we are engaged in a silent dialogue with the imprints of our ancestors, tracing the eternal threads that weave our existence into the tapestry of the past.
