Sarzeau

Sarzeau Sarzhav
Suscinio Castle Suscinio Castle
Coat of arms of Sarzeau Coat of arms
Sarzeau
Location within Brittany region Sarzeau
Coordinates:
Country	France
Region	Brittany
Department	Morbihan
Arrondissement	Vannes
Canton	Sarzeau
Intercommunality	Presqu'île de Rhuys
Government
• Mayor (2008—2014)	David Lappartient
Area1	60.23 km2 (23.25 sq mi)
Population (2004)2	6,941
• Density	120/km2 (300/sq mi)
INSEE/Postal code	56240 / 56370
Elevation	0–42 m (0–138 ft)
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. 2 Population without double counting: residents of multiple communes (e.g., students and military personnel) only counted once.

Sarzeau (Breton: Sarzhav) is a commune in the Morbihan department of Brittany in north-western 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 abbey 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.

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.

Demographics

Inhabitants of Sarzeau are called in French Sarzeautins.

Breton language

The municipality launched a linguistic plan through Ya d'ar brezhoneg on December the 20th of 2006.

In 2008, there was 4,59% of the children attended the bilingual schools in primary education.

See also

• Gulf of Morbihan
• Communes of the Morbihan department

References

• Mayors of Morbihan Association (French)
• INSEE commune file

External links

• French Ministry of Culture list for Sarzeau (French)
• Map of Sarzeau on Michelin (English)
• Château de Suscinio
• Museums around Sarzeau