Joël Szymanski still treats us with his photographic finds. We are in Villiers-sous-Grez, in the forest of Fontainebleau, where the rocks have all been worked, and not only by erosion!
“La Roche des Fées” ornate rock shelter – Villiers-sous-Grez (77) – This is without a doubt the most incredible site I visited around Fontainebleau. A sanctuary in the middle of the forest. An entanglement of blocks with in its center a fairly large space (former place of worship?) And small internal caves. Many pools are visible on the top of the structure and on the sides. Several small curious wells on the ground surround the site (water collectors?). The entrance to the ornate shelter (north-facing east) is shaped pentagon returned (always this mathematical hazard). Inside the cave, a perfectly cut, worrying head watches the opening. There is no doubt that the engravings have been protected over the years by this stone guardian who was to inspire fear to the curious. I extend a huge thank you to Marc De Laroche Merlin without whom I would never have found this magical place.
Find an ornate shelter deserves. It took me several nights on the internet and Marc’s invaluable outside help to find this magical and mysterious place. The engravings it houses (perfect lines and a squared circle) are similar to those of Larchant. No doubt they are of the same period. There are also several basins inside the cave and a small opening seems to have been dug into the rock to collect the light of day (a link with the solstice and the equinox?). Note also the care given to the size of the entrance to the shelter and the eyes of the guardian of the sanctuary (cutting and polishing impeccable). I explored the area all around and I came across a well at least a meter deep perfectly dug in a block of will. The furrows are visible when you get closer to the hole. What tool could pierce the stone so perfectly in an age so ancient? Finally, I spotted many cups engraved on many blocks of stone. This place was bound to be an important gathering place in the past.
Photo reporting by Joël Szymanski – all rights reserved