The three valleys

4 points of interest

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  Carved standing stones

  Ardaliès Statue-Menhir 2

  Transformed over time, this statue displays a striking blend of female and male attributes. One can distinguish a breast as well as a male object shaped like a dagger, decorated with a ring and chevron patterns. Its crosshatched belt, unique of its kind, along with the grid-like carvings on the hands resembling finger joints, enhance the originality of this work.

  On the back, additional engravings suggesting shoulder blades, a belt, or perhaps hair add further mystery to this statue-menhir, considered one of the most unique in the region.

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  Carved standing stones

  Ardeliès Statue-Menhir 1

  This male statue-menhir is distinguished by a shoulder strap passing over the right shoulder and supporting a ring-shaped object. A buckled belt and well-defined legs are also visible, while the facial features remain difficult to discern.

  On the back, the arms extend into lines converging toward a mysterious central element, possibly suggesting a warrior symbol or an ornament whose meaning remains uncertain. This work reflects the rich symbolism of prehistoric male representations.

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  Carved standing stones

  Ardeliès Statue-Menhir 6

  Probably representing a male figure, this statue-menhir shows traces of a shoulder strap on the back as well as an elongated left arm. The buckled belt and the pecking technique used on the face and back reflect the craftsmanship of the period.

  This carving method, typical of the Ardaliès statues, involved roughening the surface by pecking before bringing out the raised features.

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  Carved standing stones

  Ardaliès Statue-Menhir 9

  This statue-menhir stands out for the richness and precision of its carvings. It combines female attributes, such as breasts, with male elements like a shoulder strap carrying a ring-shaped object. The legs and the chevron-decorated belt were carefully carved onto a surface flattened by pecking.

  On the back, engravings representing shoulder blades and a belt complete this unique figure, whose blend of female and male symbolism remains fascinating to this day.