Menhir du Cloitre

Bienvenue/Welcome to the Menhir du Cloitre, Huelgoat, Finistere, Bretagne.
email: pergolamax@hotmail.co.uk

Vous etes autorises a visiter le menhir entre 9.00h et 18.00h
Feel free to visit the menhir between 9.a.m. and 6.pm.

At more than 6 metres, the Menhir du Cloitre is one of the tallest and most beautifully shaped megaliths in Finistere. Erected perhaps in the late neolithic, it long pre-dates the building of the house (1978) in whose grounds it stands. We see it as our priviledge to act as its current custodians and are only too pleased to allow free access to fellow admirers of these ancient standing stones whose origin and purpose is still shrouded in mystery.

We hope to do more in future to provide information on the menhir and other Brittany megaliths.

Over the last few years, a variety of events have been held to celebrate the menhir in one way or another.

In 2009, we hosted the launch of Samuel Lewis's book on the Megaliths of Brittany;

http://www.thecbj.com/guide-to-the-menhirs-and-megaliths-of-central-brittany-samuel-lewis/

It is not necessary to be a mystic or have any religious or supernatural beliefs to appreciate and enjoy such ancient standing stones or the customs which have become associated with them.

In Summer 2010, a druidic handfasting ceremony was conducted next to the menhir to celebrate the marriage of Rosie's son, Joe and his bride, Kim. No fewer than five druids carried out the impressive ceremony and bride and groom both received druidic names in recognition of their participation in the rites. It was a beautiful day and guests enjoyed a summer feast in the grounds and dancing to live Breton and other Celtic music.

In 2011, a silent meditation walk was held.

http://www.brittany-walks.blogspot.com/2011/05/peace-and-quiet.html

Centred around the menhir, the walk also took participants into the nearby woods. It is hoped to repeat this relaxing meditation walk, soon.

In addition to these events a number of other activities took place at Menhir du Cloitre including an interesting and enjoyable day course on Breton history conducted by historian, author and Brittany expert, Wendy Mewes

http://wendymewes.blogspot.com/

Writers' Course, 2012.

In September, 2012, Lake District based novelist and poet, Angela Locke held a course for writers at Le Cloitre and at l'Autre Rive in the Forest of Huelgoat . The theme was the prehistory, myths and legends of Brittany. Participants from as far away as California drew inspiration from the menhir and the surrounding landscape to produce a fascinating variety of works of poetry, fiction and reportage. We hope to include some of this writing in future updates to this blog. Meanwhile, thanks go to Angela and Colin Locke, Wendy Mewes and all who helped organise and attended this very successful and enjoyable course.

We're delighted to have made so many talented new friends.