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Site/monument

Nécropole Mérovingienne

This necropolis from the Merovingian period is exceptional for its enclosure composed entirely of sarcophagus lids. The originality of the site is also due to the fact that it is a place of burial from Roman times to the present day. Inside, several hundred sarcophagi testify to this immense necropolis which in the 18th century had at least 5 tombs and covered an area of ​​more than 000 hectares.

A legend tells that were buried there, the Frankish soldiers killed during the battle of Vouillé which opposed in 507 Clovis to the king of the Visigoths Alaric II. Today, historians believe that this extraordinary necropolis is to be linked to the early Christianization of the place, favored by a church and a baptistery, the remains of which are still visible.

Practical information

French, English

Visit

Conditions of visit: Self-guided tour, Guided tour, Guided tour by appointment only
Languages ​​spoken for the visit: French, English

Further information

Location: In the countryside, Near a main road, In the village
Type of site/monument/small heritage: Military cemetery and memorial, Ruins and remains, Archaeological site, Stele
Museum themes: Archeology
Type of additional equipment: Museum, Guided tour of town, village
Payment Methods: Payment cards, Bank and postal cheques, Cash, Bank transfer