This remarkable Dolmen in Île-de-France conceals a burial chamber, a relic of the megalithic era.

Eager to explore a true prehistoric monument without leaving Île-de-France? Look no further than La Pierre-Plate in Presles, Val-d'Oise. This ancient dolmen, approximately 4,000 years old, invites you to unravel the mysteries of the Neolithic era—hidden deep within the forest’s embrace.

Sometimes, it takes just a small step to travel back in time. A walk through the woods, a quiet path, and suddenly, peering through the foliage, a megalithic monument emerges. But this is no ordinary stone: La Pierre-Plate, one of the most stunning and ancient megalithic sites in the Paris region. Overlooked by many, yet striking in its size and history, this site is nestled in Presles, in the Val-d’Oise, within a woodland plot bordered by the A16 motorway.

A Unique Witness to the Neolithic Past

The Pierre-Plate dolmen is a funerary monument dating back to approximately 1,960 years B.C., making it a remarkable testament to the Neolithic period in Île-de-France. It stretches over 12 meters in length and 2 meters in width, and consists of three large capstones resting on upright stones, forming a burial chamber with an entrance vestibule. The site is accessible through a pierced slab—a rare feature that adds to the site's distinctive and intriguing character.

Cet étonnant Dolmen situé en Île-de-France cache une chambre funéraire, vestige du mégalithique — © Astérixobélix

Starting in 1926, archaeological excavations began to shed light on the site in great detail. Researchers uncovered the remains of more than one hundred individuals, providing clear evidence that the dolmen served as a communal burial site for several centuries. In 1971, the Pierre-Plate was restored, allowing visitors to fully appreciate its grandeur today.

The artifacts uncovered during the excavations—tools, pottery, jewelry—have been entrusted to the Île-de-France Departmental Prehistory Museum in Nemours, where they are now displayed for visitors to see.

An Outdoor Archaeological Getaway

Accessible via a woodland path, La Pierre-Plate is now a publicly accessible site, making it an ideal destination for an outdoor cultural outing. Although separated from the rest of the forest by the A16 highway, plot 12, where the dolmen is located, provides a lush green setting perfect for exploration and reflection. Just remember to be respectful of the site.

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