THE MEGALITHIC SITE OF THE BONDONS

The Cham-des-Bondons plateau lies between the limestone plateaus of the Causses and the granite massif of Mont Lozère, in the east of the département. Exposed by erosion, the puechs are the residual mamelons that emerge from the grassy plateau. Legend has it that the twin mounds represent the mud that fell from Gargantua's cloven hooves, and the other the giant's grave.

In this strange and striking landscape, late Neolithic man erected over one hundred and fifty granite menhirs and four limestone dolmens. The site is Europe's second-largest prehistoric monument and the largest concentration of menhirs in southern France. Grouped, aligned or in a circle, they are located on the ridge lines and, in some cases, exceed five meters in height and weigh ten tons. The most interesting group can be found at the Pierre-des-Trois-Paroisses (at the intersection of the D35 and the route des Combettes, or on foot via the GR43). The mystery that still hangs over this oversized installation gives rise to many hypotheses: simple topographical markers, worship of mother earth, phallic symbol... Nothing is certain, which only adds to the magic of the place! The entire site is the subject of a protection and enhancement program that has already led to the raising of dozens of blocks, which the early Christians, hostile to these manifestations of pagan faith, had laid to rest.