The Menhir of the Pierre Plantée: a prehistoric vestige in Lussan

By Navy, March 26, 2025

Reading time: 3 min.

Lussan, ranked among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France” since 2016, is a true gem nestled in the Pays d'Uzès Pont du Gard destination. Dominating the surrounding area from its promontory, this village seduces with its medieval heritage, its picturesque streets and its breathtaking panoramas. But beyond its historic town, Lussan hides other treasures, buried in its exceptional natural environment. Among them, the menhir of the “Pierre Plantée”, a mysterious megalith that intrigues and fascinates.

A Chalcolithic vestige

Located at hamlet of La Lecque, in the middle of an oak forest, the Pierre Plantée menhir stands at an altitude of 227 meters. This imposing block of stone, 5,60 meters high, is believed to have been erected during the Chalcolithic period. This period marks the transition between the Neolithic and the Bronze Age, around 3000-2000 BC. Its name comes from the Greek “khalkos” (copper) and “lithos” (stone). It illustrates the time when Man discovered copper and began to use it to make tools and everyday objects.

A landmark on the hiking trails

Classified under the monuments Since December 12, 1910, the Pierre Plantée menhir has been a testament to local megalithic practices. It also attests to human presence since prehistoric times. Whether you're a prehistory enthusiast, a hiker, or just looking for a more in-depth look, this is a must-see stop for exploring the area around Lussan.

Today, the Pierre Plantée standing stone stands at the intersection of hiking trails and a wide forest path serving as a firebreak. Its slender, massive silhouette, rising from the heart of the vegetation, commands respect and arouses wonder.

hike of the conclusions of Lussan

A mystery still intact

While the origin and exact function of the menhir remain uncertain, several hypotheses have been put forward. Was it a territorial marker, a place of worship, or an astronomical landmark? The mystery remains. A hollowed-out section can also be seen at the base of one of its sides. This cavity could be the result of unsuccessful attempts by quarrymen who wanted to exploit the stone for other uses. A scar that bears witness to its long journey through time.

What was the function of the menhirs?

Menhirs, these impressive standing stones, continue to intrigue researchers and history enthusiasts. Several theories attempt to explain their role:

Territorial or funerary landmarks Some archaeologists believe that isolated menhirs were used to mark key points in the landscape, such as water sources, important paths or even burials.

Astronomical observatories : Other hypotheses suggest that the alignments of menhirs, often oriented along precise axes (notably east-west), could have been used to mark astronomical events such as solstices and equinoxes, thus playing the role of primitive calendars.

Places of worship and memory of ancestors Another interpretation is that these megaliths served as sacred places dedicated to ancestors or deities, thus strengthening the link between the living and past generations.

Although their exact function remains a matter of debate, it is likely that the standing stones had several uses, varying according to the eras and cultures that erected them.

So, are you ready to follow in the footsteps of the first builders and discover the Pierre Plantée menhir in Lussan?

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