Auray

French commune
nomcommune=Auray
native_name=An Alre


caption=The harbour of Auray (the bridge is off left)


x = 40
y = 103
lat_long=coord|47|40|07|N|2|58|53|W|region:FR_type:city
région=Bretagne
département=Morbihan
arrondissement=Lorient
canton=Auray
insee=56007
cp=56400
maire=Michel Le Scouarnec
mandat=1995-2008
intercomm=Pays d'Auray
alt moy=37 m
alt mini=0
alt maxi=43 m
hectares=691
km²=6.91
sans=10,911
date-sans=1999
dens=1579
date-dens=1999

Auray ( _br. An Alre) is a commune in the Morbihan department in the Bretagne region in northwestern France.

The centre of the town is the place de la République, which contains an 18th century town hall and a covered market. The neighbouring square, contains a 17th century church dedicated to Saint Gildas with a Renaissance porch.

The harbour area of Saint Goustan contains half-timbered 15th and 16th century houses built around cobbled streets, and a 17th century stone bridge (Called Pont Neuf - New Bridge) crossing the River Loch. [cite web | url = http://www.france-for-visitors.com/brittany/south/auray.html |title =Auray | work = France for visitors | accessdate=2008-09-08]

History

*The Battle of Auray was the decisive battle in the Breton War of Succession. It 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.

Demographics

Inhabitants of Auray are called "Alréens".

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

ee also

*Communes of the Morbihan department

External links

* [http://www.auray-tourisme.com/ Tourism Office website] fr icon
* [http://www.culture.gouv.fr/public/mistral/merimee_fr?ACTION=CHERCHER&FIELD_98=INSEE&VALUE_98=56007 French Ministry of Culture list for Auray] fr icon
* [http://www.frenchpropertylinks.com/brittany/morbihan/auray.htm Guide to Auray and Property in the Area] en icon