Archaeological heritage
From prehistory to the Middle Ages
Here, history lurks beneath your feet, between mottes castrales and ancient remains. Ready to explore our archaeological heritage and step back in time?
Archaeological sites in the King Morvan region
Numerous dolmens, covered walkways and burial mounds in the area bear witness to human occupation dating back to the Neolithic period and into the Iron Age. It should be noted that the ancient roads, some of which can be traced back to this period, were taken up again and developed during the Gallo-Roman period, and are the subject of particular study at local level, notably by the Association d'archéologie et d'histoire de Bretagne centrale (Central Brittany Archaeology and History Association), which regularly communicates on the subject.
The Gallo-Roman quarry at Locuon (Ploërdut)
The Gallo-Roman period is exceptionally well illustrated by the Locuon site in Ploërdut, a former quarry from which granite was extracted and used to build the monuments at Vorgium (Carhaix). This is a major site from a scientific point of view, with the quarry face still visible providing an insight into the techniques used to extract the rock at the time.
Castles and fortifications
The central Middle Ages are represented by intact and partial mottes castrales and other enclosure-type structures, which are the subject of occasional archaeological surveys and excavations. Some sites are visible from the public domain: the motte de Kermain in Langonnet and the motte de la Roche Piriou in Priziac.
Remains of later fortifications are also accessible (12th-14th century), such as the remains of what appears to have been a fortified house at Barrégant in Le Faouët, on a hill overlooking the Ellé.
Traces of a rural habitat
Medieval and Ancien Régime rural housing is well represented by two examples. The Lochrist lodges in Ploërdut are an example of non-sedentary housing that lasted until the 19th century. Around twenty lodges have been identified.
The medieval hamlet of Pont-Callec is a rural settlement dating from the 14th century. It was occupied until the 19th century. Signposting with explanatory panels allows visitors to wander through the restored remains. In terms of its earliest period, this site is comparable to the Village de l'an mil in Melrand, where other scientific choices have been made through archaeological excavations and reconstructions, which have also enabled the site to be opened up to the public.
Map of the archaeological heritage of the Pays du Roi Morvan
There are many other remains in the area, but this archaeological heritage is fragile and non-renewable! Raising awareness of this heritage among the many curious members of the public is essential to its protection and conservation. In the Pays du Roi Morvan, an enhancement operation was completed in 2022. 14 sites, from the Neolithic to the Middle Ages, have benefited from improvements designed to make them accessible and legible.
Kreizy Archéo, archaeology in Central Brittany
And to find out more about the archaeological heritage of Central Brittany, visit the Kreizy Archéo website.
The project to promote the archaeological sites of the Pays du Roi Morvan is a continuation of the extensive inventory work undertaken in central Brittany since the early 2000s. A publication, an exhibition, in-situ interpretation systems as in the Pays du Roi Morvan and a comprehensive website have all been produced to make the results available to the public.
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