Dol-de-Bretagne, Ille-et-Vilaine
Dol is situated in the northern area of the department of Ille-et-Vilaine, not far from the sea-coast. It is a lovely medieval town, with the 12th century cathedral of Saint-Samson as a focal point.. One of the best examples of a menhir can be found in a field called the Champ Dolent ('Field of Woe'), not far from Dol. It is a gigantic grey granite stone, standing over 9 meters, or almost 32 feet, tall. About fifteen feet more is buried underground. It seems likely that the granite was transported about four kilometers to the site. In the early days of Christianity, a stone cross was placed on top, in an attempt to wean the people away from the pagan beliefs represented by the menhir.
 The menhir is square at the base, and is shaped to a rounded, tapered top. It appears to have been carved at some time, but it is so weathered now that the carving has almost disappeared. At the base of the menhir is a small, slightly darker, rounded stone. Whether is has a connection to the menhir or was placed there at some later time, and for some unknown purpose, there is no way of knowing.
There are two stories connected to the menhir, one of which can be found in historical records. In A.D. 560, Clotaire, King of the Franks, and his son the rebel Chramne, fought a long and fierce and bloody battle, in the Champ Dolent, or somewhere close by. Chramne was roundly defeated, but managed to escape the field, and rush to the small house where he had left his wife and two small daughters, hoping to escape with them. But there his father's men caught him, and Clotaire ordered the men to strangle Chramne, while the wife and children watched. Then they were locked in the house and it was set afire, burning them alive. A cruel and savage act that still stirs horror in the souls of those who read it.
The other legend is of a different character, though it also concerns a battle in the Field of Woe. Again, it was a long and bloody battle, with rivers of blood flowing. On opposite sides in this battle were two brothers. In the course of the fighting, they came face to face. As they were about to attack one another, a huge granite stone rose up between them, forcing them apart. They turned away and went on with the battle, understanding that the Gods had intervened to keep them from fratricide.
The menhir at Dol is an incredibly impressive, memorable, sight. Add to that sight these legends, and it would leave an indelible impression on anyone who viewed it.
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