At first glance, the covered alley of the Déserts located in Argenteuil might appear to be an enigmatic structure placed there almost by chance. However, it is actually one of the few visible remnants of Neolithic heritage in the Val-d’Oise: a megalithic funerary monument built during the late Neolithic, approximately between 2500 and 2000 BCE.
The term covered gallery refers to a type of collective burial site composed of large upright stone slabs (known as orthostats), topped by stone slabs forming a roof. This kind of monument is typical of Neolithic societies in western Europe. In Île-de-France, several covered galleries have been documented, but few are as accessible or as well-preserved as the one at Argenteuil.
Archaeological excavations at the site have uncovered human remains and funerary artifacts, confirming its role as a mass grave. It is believed that over the years, the burial site may have hosted the remains of dozens of individuals.
But by the way, why is it called the "Covered Passage of the Deserts"? The name piques curiosity. The “Deserts” don’t refer to sandy dunes, but rather to a former hamlet called Argenteuil. When the site was rediscovered, it was located in a sparsely developed area. Yes, like many prehistoric monuments in Île-de-France, the covered passage was uncovered in the 19th century, a time when archaeology was beginning to emerge as a scientific discipline.
The covered passage at Deserts is no longer a forgotten relic, and it’s currently undergoing restoration and redesign to welcome visitors once again. The site is closed to the public at the moment as work is ongoing until 2026.
This restoration project aims to ensure the safety of the site, improve access, and, beyond the traditional visits during the European Heritage Days, provide a more regular and educational opening for all audiences. Once the work is completed, visitors will be able to explore the Neolithic tomb confidently and securely!
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Location
Covered Alley of the Deserts
68 Rue des Déserts
95100 Argenteuil
