Motte de la Jacquille

Motte de la Jacquille is a Neolithic burial mound standing in the countryside near Fontenille, in the Charente department of western France. Raised around the 5th millennium BC, this large earthen tumulus belongs to the so-called Angoumoisin type and ranks among the most remarkable prehistoric monuments of the Poitou-Charentes region.

What will you see?

The mound is roughly circular, measuring about 31 metres across and rising to a height of 2.8 metres. Inside, a bent passage — its walls lined with megalithic blocks combined with dry-stone walling — leads to a rectangular burial chamber measuring 4.20 by 2.10 metres, framed by eleven carefully dressed stone slabs.

The site's most remarkable feature is a stone slab that once served as a door, mounted on a hinge-like mechanism that allowed the chamber to be closed. Archaeologists consider this closing device without parallel anywhere else in Europe. The original slab no longer sits in place: after excavation it was moved to the Musée d'Angoulême, where it remains on display today. On site, look closely at how the builders combined large upright stones with dry-stone infill — a technique sturdy enough to keep the structure standing for thousands of years.

Generations of scholars have documented the mound. The earliest written mention comes from Abbé Michon in 1848, followed by descriptions from F. Marvaud in 1862 and Trémaud de Rochebrune in 1865. More thorough archaeological studies were carried out by Auguste-François Lièvre in 1881 and by Claude Burnez in 1976, work that turned the Motte de la Jacquille into one of the better-recorded megalithic sites in the region.

Official protection came relatively late: the monument was listed as a historic monument by decree on 22 April 1991, then given full classification as a "monument historique" by decree on 11 December 2015.

How to get there?

The Motte de la Jacquille lies within the commune of Fontenille, in Charente, close to the border with the Poitou area. Travelling by car is the most practical option; the nearest towns of any size are Angoulême and Ruffec, both connected by local departmental roads. The mound stands away from any village centre, among open fields, so it's worth setting your GPS to the coordinates 45.9075 N, 0.16806 E. Parking is limited near the site, and the final stretch has to be covered on foot.

When to visit?

The site is open year-round, since it sits outdoors with free access and no entrance fee. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions, with mild temperatures and low vegetation that make the structure easier to see clearly. In summer, bring water and a hat, as there is little shade around the mound. After heavy rain in winter, the surrounding ground can turn muddy, making the approach less pleasant.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is the Motte de la Jacquille? It is a Neolithic tumulus with an internal passage and burial chamber, dated to around the 5th millennium BC and classified as an Angoumoisin-type mound.

What makes this site so unusual? A stone slab that functioned as a hinged door sealing the burial chamber — a mechanism considered unique in Europe. The original piece is now kept at the Musée d'Angoulême.

Is there an entrance fee? No, the site is outdoors and freely accessible at any time, with no ticket required.

Is the monument officially protected? Yes. It was registered as a historic monument in 1991 and received full classification as a monument historique in 2015.