The Pierres Jaumâtres natural menhirs
At the top of Mont Barlot, at an altitude of 600 meters, discover the Pierres Jaumâtres. These natural menhirs, carved by bad weather, have given birth to legends. The mount would have been inhabited by a tribe of giants.
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Pierres Jaumâtres – a granite blockfield, steeped in legends
The Pierres Jaumâtres is an amazing natural attraction at Toulx-Sainte-Croix in Creuse. To get there, go up the valley of the Petite Creuse then walk along the path through the woods to the top of Mont Barlot. No need to panic, it’s only a short climb so children can do it and the view from the top is well worth it !
Pierres Jaumâtres is a splendid sight - piles of huge granite rocks which have resisted erosion from the wind and rain for hundreds of thousands of years. It’s astonishing how some of them stay in place ! Truly amazing ! Pierres Jaumâtres is at 600 metres altitude and from certain parts there are marvellous panoramic views of Creuse !
The Pierres Jaumâtres phenomenon has a geological explanation, but the rocks have at the same time fuelled lots of imagination and a large number of legends exist about this remarkable place. It is said that the daughter of Vivian the Fairy and King Arthur was held captive here, the Golden Calf is hidden here and bad fairies still haunt the area – everything points to a mysterious atmosphere...
Incidentally, George Sand and Frédéric Chopin loved walking here and letting their imagination run wild.
Visiting the Pierres Jaumâtres
Access to the site is 100% free of charge. It’s a lovely, original outing at any time of year as the atmosphere changes with the seasons. The paths are well marked but you need good shoes. After your walk, why not have a gourmet break at the Chalet des Pierres Jaumâtres (open February - November), have fun at one of the treetop adventure trails (open May – September) or enjoy a laser game session.
Make the most of being in the area around Toulx-Sainte-Croix by visiting the village itself which has an unusual church with a separate bell tower, and climb up to the top of the village tower for a view over no less than 7 départements ! A few kilometres away, discover Boussac and its very famous castle, its Thursday market and Etang du Montet lake with its fitness trail and fishing spot.
When visiting Creuse, don’t miss the Cité Internationale de la Tapisserie d'Aubusson (Aubusson Tapestry Heritage Centre)
