The Sunken City of Herbauges
Location: 4935+P2 Saint-Aignan-Grandlieu, France
Lost Civilizations / Ruins
by @anton
According to a Christian legend, the Lake of Grand-Lieu did not exist before the sixth century. In its place stood the prosperous city of Herbauges, whose inhabitants were notorious for their pagan excesses.
After Saint Martin of Vertou was beaten and left for dead while trying to convert the city, an angel warned him in a dream to flee with the only couple who had shown him kindness. They were told not to look back. Hearing the waters engulf the city, the couple disobeyed and were instantly turned to stone. The two menhirs known as the "Stone Ladies" at Pont-Saint-Martin, on the banks of the Ognon, are said to be the petrified couple.
By the following morning, Herbauges had disappeared beneath the waters of Lake Grand-Lieu as a punishment from God. According to the legend, the city's church bells can still be heard ringing beneath the lake on Christmas Eve.
Sources
Part of the legend: The Sunken City
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