Auray

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Coordinates: 47°40′07″N 2°58′53″W / 47.66861, -2.98139

Commune of Auray

An Alre

The harbour of Auray (the bridge is off L)

Location

Coordinates

47°40′07″N 2°58′53″W / 47.66861, -2.98139

Administration

Auray (chief town)

Communauté de communes du Pays d'Auray

Mayor

Michel Le Scouarnec
(1995-2008)

Statistics

Elevation

0 m–43 m
(avg. 37 m)

Land area^¹

6.91 km²

Population^²
(1999)

10,911

- Density

1,579/km² (1999)

Miscellaneous

INSEE/Postal code

56007/ 56400

¹ French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

² Population sans doubles comptes: residents of multiple communes (e.g. students and military personnel) only counted once.

The bridge

Auray (Breton: An Alre) is a commune of France, in the Morbihan département, at 47°40′N 2°59′W / 47.667, -2.983. This ancient town with its picturesque medieval harbour of Saint-Goustan features an old stone bridge (Called Pont Neuf - New Bridge) crossing the rivière d'Auray.

The town calls to mind some of the prettiest towns of Cornwall, yet with more light and colour! The harbour is chocolate box beautiful, and the pleasure boats which come and go all summer long provide the perfect romantic backdrop to the excellent seafood restaurants which line the waterfront. Morbihan has the best of Breton weather too, benefiting from the Gulf Stream effect which sends long golden summers and short mild winters.

The old town is filled with atmospheric narrow cobbled streets and half-timbered 15th and 16th century houses. The River Loch is spanned by a very lovely 17th century stone bridge, and from this you get a great view of Auray and the harbour. The whole area has been restored to the highest of standards, and gives a great impression of what it must have been like long ago. It can get busy in the peak season, but this is a small price to pay for living in such a picturesque and historic town.[1]

1 History
2 Demographics
3 Tourism
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] History

The Battle of Auray took place here on September 29, 1364, ending in the death of Charles of Blois.
Benjamin Franklin disembarked here at the beginning of the American Revolutionary War on his way to Paris.

[edit] Demographics

Inhabitants of Auray are called Alréens.

As of the census of 1999, the town has a population of 10,911.

[edit] Tourism

The country of Auray is located in the South of Brittany, at the gates of the Gulf of Morbihan. It consists of 10 charming communities including Auray and its harbour St Goustan, Brec’h, Camor, Landaul, Landévant, Ploemel, Plumergat, Pluneret, Pluvigner and Sainte Anne d’Auray, also known as the spiritual capital of Brittany. The country of Auray is characterised by its beautiful landscape of rivers, forests, valleys and rias which offer you a wide range of leisure and sporting activities. Many unusual and impressive religious sights reflect its cultural diversity. With its numerous traditional festivals and events, the country of Auray has retained its authentic character. Come and discover the beauty of this wonderful area all year round.