| | Overview (Source: Frommers) |
486km (302 miles) W of Paris, 37km (23 miles) SE of Lorient, 100km (62 miles) SE of Quimper Aside from being a seaside resort, Carnac is home to the hundreds of huge stones in the Field of Megaliths ("Les Alignements") that date from Neolithic times. Scholars have debated their purpose for centuries, although most suggest they had astronomical or religious significance to the people of the area. One theory is that some of the stones marked burial sites. In all, the town contains 2,732 menhirs (monumental stones), some of them rising to heights of 20m (66 ft.). They stand in 11 more or less straight lines in at least three separate fields. Out of fear of vandalism, the local tourist authorities have fenced in the megaliths, and now allow visitors to wander freely among the menhirs only between October and March, when the park is open daily from 10am to 5pm, and when the entrance is free. From April to September, the park can be visited only as part of a rigidly controlled 1-hour guided tour, priced at 4€ ($5.20) per person (3€/$3.90 for students or anyone under 25). Tours are usually in French but, depending on the perceived need, may include some additional commentary in English; or, during high season, there may even be an all-English tour offered, but nothing is guaranteed. The only way to be sure involves calling the Parc's Visitor Center (Maison des Mégalithes) for a rundown on the tours that will be arranged on the day of your intended visit. At Carn
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