Ploërmel
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Commune of Ploërmel |
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| Ploermael | ||
| Location | ||
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| Coordinates | ||
| Administration | ||
|---|---|---|
| Country | France | |
| Region | Bretagne | |
| Department | Morbihan | |
| Arrondissement | Vannes | |
| Canton | Ploërmel (chief town) | |
| Intercommunality | Communauté de Communes de Ploërmel | |
| Mayor | Paul Anselin (2001-2008) |
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| Statistics | ||
| Elevation | 19 m–106 m (avg. 75 m) |
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| Land area¹ | 50.81 km² | |
| Population² (1999) |
7.525 | |
| - Density | 148/km² (1999) | |
| Miscellaneous | ||
| INSEE/Postal code | 56165/ 56800 | |
| 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. | ||
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Ploërmel (Breton: Ploermael) is a commune of France, in the Morbihan département, in the Brittany région.
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[edit] Character of the town
It is a growing and developing community with a thriving economy and a lively atmosphere. The town is modern rather than romantically mediaeval, but it is clean and attractive and offers a great lifestyle with all amenities and easy access to most parts of Brittany. Ploërmel is set on the edge of the magical Forêt de Paimpont, which legend proclaims is the home of Merlin the Magician, amongst other fantastical characters.[1]
[edit] History
In 1351, during the Breton War of Succession (part of the Hundred Years' War), two groups of approximately 30 English and French knights staged a tournament near the gates of town, to show their prowess and make money by capturing opponents. The French team eventually won after killing or capturing the English force. This was later known as the Combat of the Thirty.
On 10 December 2006, the city unveiled an 8.75 m tall statue of Pope John Paul II. It was a gift by Russo-Georgian sculptor Zurab Tsereteli, and has sparked some controversy over the separation of Church and State BBC News.
The town gave its name to a monastic order, the Brothers of Ploërmel.[1] The Doctor Who actor Tom Baker was a monk of the order for a while in Jersey.[2]
[edit] Demographics
Inhabitants of Ploërmel are called Ploërmelais.
As of the census of 1999, the town has a population of 7,525.
[edit] Twin Town
[edit] References
Mayors of Morbihan Association (French); INSEE (English); IGN (English)
[edit] External links
- Official website (French)
- French Ministry of Culture list for Ploërmel (French)
- Map of Ploërmel on Michelin (English)
- Guide to Ploërmel and Property in the Area] (English)
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