The Loudunais region contains many remains of ancient civilisations, including the Briande dolmen in Chassigny. Excavations have unearthed human bones and chipped flint. Galuche is a hard, fine-grained, white limestone. In Arçay, this stone is also known as “cosse”. Poitevins call any flat stone “galuche”. Tuffeau is a very chalky, soft, white or yellow limestone, excellent for carving.