Sarzeau
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Commune of Sarzeau |
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Sarzhav | ||
Location | ||
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Coordinates | ||
Administration | ||
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Country | France | |
Region | Bretagne | |
Department | Morbihan | |
Arrondissement | Vannes | |
Canton | Sarzeau (chief town) | |
Intercommunality | C.C. de la Presqu'île de Rhuys | |
Mayor | Henri-Ferdinand Bénéat (2001-2008) |
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Statistics | ||
Elevation | 0 m–42 m | |
Land area¹ | 60.23 km² | |
Population² (2004) |
6941 | |
- Density | 115/km² (2004) | |
Miscellaneous | ||
INSEE/Postal code | 56240/ 56370 | |
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. | ||
Sarzeau (Breton: Sarzhav) is a commune in the Brittany region of France. It is located on the Rhuys peninsula between the Gulf of Morbihan and the Atlantic Ocean.
Contents |
[edit] History
The area around the Morbihan has been occupied since neolithic times. Prehistoric monuments remaining include the menhirs of Kermaillard and Largueven, as well as the dolmens of Kergillet and Brillac. The town itself was first mentioned in the 11th century in reference to an abby at the site[1]. The nearby Château de Suscinio was built in the 13th century and fortified in the 15th century. The castle was a favorite spot of the Dukes of Brittany who often came for the hunting in the surrounding region[2]. During the Middle Ages, because of its size the town was divided into seven local divisions, a situation that still exists to some extent. The town officially became a commune during the French Revolution.
[edit] Sights
- The Château de Suscinio is a 13th century castle that has recently been restored. Inside there is also a museum on the history of the area.
- The Château de Kerlevenan is an 18th century castle with large gardens.
- Museum of Arts et Métiers and Cider Museum.
- Menhirs of Kermaillard and Largueven, and the dolmens of Kergillet and Brillac.
- Beaches, especially along the Atlantic side.
[edit] Demographics
Inhabitants of Sarzeau are called Sarzeautins.
As of the census of 1999, the town has a population of 6,143.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
Mayors of Morbihan Association (French); INSEE (English); IGN (English)
[edit] External links
- French Ministry of Culture list for Sarzeau (French)
- Map of Sarzeau on Michelin (English)
- Château de Suscinio
- Museums around Sarzeau