The Standing Stones or “Mein Zao” are unique in France. You will only find standing stones constructions in Névez and Trégunc. In the XVIIIth century there were so many blocks of granite in the fields that it was impossible to make arable lands out of it. First, the farmers asked quarrymen to chop the stones, and later on fishermen took over. They were paid in granite which they used to build small houses, lean-to and fences.
The Standing Stones are tied to Brittany’s history. In 1993 they were certified “Landscape of Reconquest” by the Ministry of Environment for being part of a unique heritage in France and being very precisely located.
In the XVIIIth century the population in Névez and Trégunc increased considerably. At the time farmers had to quickly increase the surface of arable land to meet the needs and feed the population. However, gigantic blocks of granite prevented farmers from working the land properly.
They first called on quarrymen who worked along the Aven to help them chop the granite but they wanted to be paid in cash. Farmers therefore asked fishermen who already used to help them in the fields when they were not at sea. Fishermen were paid in kind, and particularly in granite… This is how they ended up by using the granite to build standing stones houses at low price.
An unusual fence just above the beautiful Whale’s beach
The thatched houses are all private properties, you can see them when wandering on small countryside roads in Névez and Trégunc.
In Kerascoët two houses have lean-tos made of Standing Stones! One is located at the entrance of the hamlet, the other faces the well.
Heritage enthusiasts take note! It is possible to rent a thatched house in Kerochet. It is located in a haven of greenery near the river!
