The menhir of Oisy-le-Verger is like a "big pebble", as it is called here, planted in the middle of the marshy terrain of the Sensée valley. This particular location, on the old bed of the Scheldt, makes it difficult to access, especially during periods of rain. But, even from afar, at the end of the alley surrounded by a reed bed, the magnificent menhir classified since 1981 as an historic monument, remains particularly impressive.The emerged part is nearly 3 meters high, over a meter high. wide, for an invisible part which, for some, could be more than 8 meters deep. Its origin dates back to the Neolithic period, between - 5000 and 2500 BC. The marshy character of the land is much later than the megalith itself, which explains its presence in such an unfavorable place. But the surrounding waters have greatly contributed to the mystery that surrounds it.
The legend of a pact with the devil
Like many of its ilk, the legendary origin of the Oisy-le-Verger menhir is intimately linked to the devil. A tireless builder, but poor calculator, who, once again, will be caught off guard by the too early crowing of a rooster. This time, he offered his services to nuns to build their convent overnight. As a reward, they owed him their souls if the latter had ended before dawn. Satan set to work, and carried huge stones to the building all night long. Alas, for him, before the fateful hour, the nuns woke up the rooster, which began to crow. Surprised, the devil let go of the huge stone he was still holding ... She came to hide where we see her today.