Morbihan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Morbihan
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Prefecture building of the Morbihan department, in Vannes
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Location of Morbihan in France
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| Country | France | ||
| Region | Brittany | ||
| Prefecture | Vannes | ||
| Subprefectures | Lorient Pontivy |
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| Area | |||
| • Total | 6,823 km2 (2,634 sq mi) | ||
| Population
(2013)
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| • Total | 737,778 | ||
| • Rank | 31st | ||
| • Density | 108.131/km2 (280.058/sq mi) | ||
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | ||
| Department number | 56 | ||
| Arrondissements | 3 | ||
| Cantons | 21 | ||
| Communes | 253 | ||
| French Land Register data, which exclude estuaries, and lakes, ponds, and glaciers larger than 1 km2 | |||
Morbihan (which means "Little Sea" in the Breton language) is a special area in the west of France. It is called a department, and it's part of the Brittany region. Imagine it like a state or a large county in other countries.
The main city and administrative center of Morbihan is Vannes. This city is known as the prefecture. In 2013, about 737,778 people lived in Morbihan. It was one of the very first departments created during the French Revolution in 1790.
Morbihan also has two other important cities called subprefectures: Lorient and Pontivy. These cities help manage smaller parts of the department.
Contents
Exploring Morbihan's Geography
Morbihan is located on the western coast of France. It is famous for its beautiful coastline and the unique Gulf of Morbihan. This gulf is almost like an inland sea with many small islands.
The Gulf of Morbihan
The Gulf of Morbihan is a very popular spot for sailing. It has calm waters and many hidden coves. People love to explore its islands and enjoy water sports there.
History and Culture
Morbihan has a rich history, going back thousands of years. It is known for its ancient stone monuments and strong Breton culture.
Ancient Stone Monuments
One of the most famous historical sites in Morbihan is the Carnac stones. These are thousands of ancient standing stones arranged in long rows. No one knows exactly why they were built, but they are very impressive. They show that people lived here a very long time ago.
Breton Traditions
The people of Morbihan are proud of their Breton heritage. This includes their own language, Breton, and unique music. You might hear traditional music played by groups called bagad. A bagad is like a band that plays bagpipes and other instruments.
Cities and Towns to Visit
Morbihan has many charming cities and towns, each with its own special feel.
Vannes: The Capital City
Vannes is the main city of Morbihan. It has a beautiful old town with medieval walls and narrow streets. You can explore its history and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Rochefort-en-Terre: A Pretty Village
Rochefort-en-Terre is a small village known for its beauty. It has old stone houses and colorful flowers everywhere. It often wins awards for being one of the prettiest villages in France.
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See also
In Spanish: Morbihan para niños
