The 80-tonne granite menhir of Brignogan-Plages

The Menhir de Pontusval stands as a massive block of granite porphyroïde in the commune of Brignogan-Plages, in the French department of Finistère. While often referred to as Men Marz in various works, the stone is distinct from the actual Men Marz, which is a different rock located one kilometer away. This monolith measures 8.35 metres in height, with a base width of 3.40 metres and a thickness of 1.50 metres, weighing an estimated 80 tonnes.

The history of the stone is well-documented, appearing on the cadastral map of 1818 and receiving its first written description in 1844. It was officially listed as a historic monument in 1889. The stone originated from an outcrop located a short distance to the south, a site that was later exploited as a quarry during the 20th century. In the 18th century, the megalith was Christianized by the addition of a first cross on its summit and the carving of a second cross pattée on its eastern face.

Local traditions and legends are tied to the stone's physical features. One tradition held that young girls would throw a small pebble at a horizontal crack on the southern face; if the pebble remained in place, it was said they would marry within the year or have an heir. Another legend tells of Saint Paul Aurélien, who commanded the sea to stop ravaging the lands of his abbey and that of his sister. The waves were said to have stopped at the limit set by a miracle stone thrown by his sister, which is now known as the Pierre du miracle.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons