In Miers, the cultural and historical perspective ranges from prehistoric monuments to Art Nouveau architecture: the Dolmen de Barrière 1 is dated to around 5,000 years ago, while the Pavillon des Eaux was built between 1904 and 1906. Other highlights include the Archéosite des Fieux and a circular walking route linking dolmens with the Causse de Gramat.

Dolmens and a circular walking route

Les Dolmens de Miers is an easy, 6.7-kilometre circular walking route that starts in Miers. The starting point is at the Archéosite des Fieux; from there, the route passes dolmens as it crosses the Causse de Gramat. The walk is estimated to take two and a half hours and includes ten points of interest. Check the route details before setting off to ensure your plans are based on the latest information.

The dolmens display a range of archaeological features. The Dolmen de la Pierre levée is listed as a historic monument. Its tumulus is two metres high and has a diameter of 25 metres. At the Dolmen de Barrière 1, the tumulus has a diameter of 23 metres; the monument is one of the three dolmens in the Barrières area and is dated to around 5,000 years ago.

At the Dolmen de Sabadel, the tumulus is still clearly visible. By contrast, only the rear end slab and one side supporting slab of the burial chamber remain. The comparison draws attention to different features: the tumulus dimensions are striking at Pierre levée and Barrière 1, while at Sabadel it is the surviving parts of the burial chamber that stand out.

Prehistory at the Archéosite des Fieux

The Archéosite des Fieux offers interactive activities on prehistory and workshops for children. Topics include spear-thrower shooting, fire, flint, music and painting; the programme may vary by season. A natural cave was used by prehistoric people as a game trap for almost 80,000 years. One of the caves is decorated with paintings and engravings.

The visitor tour of the Archéosite takes two hours and includes demonstrations and interactive activities that do not require a reservation. Seasonal access may vary. This duration refers to the visitor tour; the estimated two and a half hours apply to the independent Les Dolmens de Miers circular walk. The two timings help visitors plan the tour and the walk as separate activities.

Art Nouveau and heritage

At the Source Salmière site in Miers, the Pavillon des Eaux was built to designs by architect Joachim Richard. Constructed between 1904 and 1906, it was intended to house a new drinking pavilion. Today, the pavilion is an example of early 20th-century Art Nouveau: geometric and floral decorations and coloured glazing define its architectural character. Its original function as a drinking pavilion can thus be considered alongside its characteristic design features.

The ruins of the Hameau de Barrières offer another view of the area’s heritage. This almost unique ensemble in the Quercy preserves the remains of around ten houses and agricultural outbuildings. Unlike the individual dolmens, the focus here is on the traces of an entire hamlet and its farm buildings.

Products from Miers

Local production is also among the features associated with the area. La Ferme de Borie uses its own ducks, poultry and Aubrac cattle to make foie gras, terrines, rillettes and ready meals. The range may change. This offers a specific insight into the farm’s products, complementing the archaeological and architectural themes without shifting the focus away from the cultural sites.

Discover more destinations: Gignac, Loubressac, Frayssinhes, Calviac, Sarrazac, Cuzac, Valroufié, Padirac

For the broader travel guide: Lot.