Sarzeau

French commune
nomcommune=Sarzeau
native_name=Sarzhav


x=44
y=105
lat_long=coord|47|31|41|N|2|46|07|W|region:FR_type:city
région=Bretagne
département=Morbihan
arrondissement=Vannes
canton=Sarzeau (chief town)
insee=56240
cp=56370
maire=Henri-Ferdinand Bénéat
mandat=2001-2008
intercomm=C.C. de la Presqu'île de Rhuys
alt mini=0 m
alt maxi=42 m
km²=60.23
sans=6941
date-sans=2004
dens=115
date-dens=2004

Sarzeau ( _br. 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.

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 [http://www.infobretagne.com/sarzeau.htm] . 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 [http://www.tourisme-sarzeau.com/curiosites-sarzeau/chateau-de-suscinio-sarzeau.php] . 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.

ights

* 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.

Demographics

Inhabitants of Sarzeau are called "Sarzeautins".

As of the census of 1999, the town has a population of formatnum:6,143.

ee also

*Gulf of Morbihan
*Communes of the Morbihan department

References

[http://www.maires56.asso.fr Mayors of Morbihan Association] fr icon; [http://www.insee.fr/en/home/home_page.asp INSEE] en icon; [http://www.ign.fr/rubrique.asp?rbr_id=1&lng_id=EN IGN] en icon

External links

* [http://www.culture.gouv.fr/public/mistral/merimee_fr?ACTION=CHERCHER&FIELD_98=INSEE&VALUE_98=56240 French Ministry of Culture list for Sarzeau] fr icon
* [http://www.viamichelin.co.uk/viamichelin/gbr/dyn/controller/mapPerformPage?strAddress=&strCP=56370&strLocation=Sarzeau&strCountry=1424&image2.x=28&image2.y=7 Map of Sarzeau on Michelin] en icon
* [http://www.casteland.com/pfr/chateau/bretagne/morbihan/suscinio/suscinio.htm Château de Suscinio]
* [http://www.tourisme-sarzeau.com/en/curiosites-sarzeau/museums-sarzeau.php Museums around Sarzeau]