aventuro Back to map A
Historical places

Giant Manio

4.5 · 978 reviews
Quiet and contemplative
Giant Manio, 56340 Carnac, France
Interesting facts
1

The menhir weighs approximately 40 tonnes.

2

It was restored and straightened by Zacharie Le Rouzic after having fallen over at an unknown point in history.

3

The stone is located near the Manio quadrilateral, which consists of over 100 stones forming a rectangular enclosure.

4

The site is associated with the 'alignements de Carnac', a collection of over 3,000 prehistoric standing stones.

5

Its placement suggests a deliberate alignment with solar or lunar events during the Neolithic period.

Overview

The Giant of Manio, also known as the Géant du Manio, is a massive menhir standing approximately 6.5 meters tall in the commune of Carnac, Brittany. It ranks as the tallest standing stone within the megalithic complex of Carnac. The stone is composed of local granite and was re-erected in 1900 by archaeologist Zacharie Le Rouzic. It is situated in proximity to the Quadrilatère du Manio, a Neolithic stone enclosure. The surrounding site contains significant alignments and prehistoric burial structures dating back to the Neolithic period. The stone serves as a primary example of the monumental megalithic architecture characteristic of the Morbihan region.

Photo spot

From the base of the menhir looking upwards to capture its full scale against the forest canopy.

Insider tips

Combine your visit with the nearby Kermario alignments for a comprehensive overview of the site.

The terrain is uneven and grassy; wear sturdy footwear.

Bring sun protection as the site offers minimal shade.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to walk through the agricultural fields surrounding the monument, as these are private property.

Etiquette

Respect the site by staying on marked paths and never touching or climbing on the megalithic stones.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
45 minutes - 1 hour
Best time to visit
Early morning or late afternoon to capture the best light on the granite texture and avoid midday heat.
Address
Giant Manio, 56340 Carnac, France
47.604, -3.056
Get directions
Details
Key feature6.5-meter granite monolith
Associated structureQuadrilatère du Manio

Frequently asked

Plan for about 45 minutes - 1 hour to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Early morning or late afternoon to capture the best light on the granite texture and avoid midday heat..

From the base of the menhir looking upwards to capture its full scale against the forest canopy.

Close by you'll find Alignements of Carnac, Port of Trinité-sur-Mer, Alignements de Kerlescan.