A dramatic group of menhirs, arranged in a figure of eight, can be seen on the tiny barren island of Er Lannic – though only at low tide when the water gives these smaller islets the appearance of stranded hovercraft skirted with mud. The best island for megalithic monuments is, however, Gavrinis. It contains (almost consists of) a tumulus that has been partially uncovered to reveal a chamber in which all the slabs of stone are carved with curving lines like fingerprints, axeheads and spirals – purely decorative according to archeologists. Gavrinis can be visited between April and November only, via a fifteen-minute ferry ride from Larmor-Baden. Tides permitting, the ferry operates at half-hourly intervals whenever the monument is open; ticket prices include a guided tour (April, June & Sept daily 9.30am–12.30pm & 1.30–6pm; May Mon–Fri 1.30–6pm, Sat & Sun 9.30am–12.30pm & 1.30–6pm; July & Aug daily 9.30am–7pm; Oct & Nov daily except Tues 1.30–5pm; tel 02.97.57.19.38; €9.50, age 13–17 €6.50, age 4–12 €3).
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