Île-aux-Moines explained

Île-aux-Moines
Native Name:Enizenac'h
Commune Status:Commune
Image Coat Of Arms:Blason ville fr Île-aux-Moines (Morbihan).svg
Coordinates:47.5975°N -2.8433°W
Insee:56087
Postal Code:56780
Arrondissement:Vannes
Canton:Vannes-2
Mayor:Philippe Le Berigot[1]
Term:2020 - 2026
Intercommunality:Golfe du Morbihan - Vannes Agglomération
Elevation Min M:-1
Elevation Max M:31
Area Km2:3.20

Île-aux-Moines (pronounced as /fr/; Enizenac'h in Breton; the name means island of the monks) is a commune in the Morbihan department in the region of Brittany in northwestern France.

It is the largest island in the Gulf of Morbihan. It is one of two island communes of the Gulf, the other being Île-d'Arz.

Geography

Île-aux-Moines lies in the Gulf of Morbihan. It is 7km (04miles) by 5km (03miles), with an area of 3.1 square kilometres. It is in the shape of a cross and nowhere on the island lies further than 450 metres from the water.

Access from the mainland is possible from Larmor-Baden or Port-Blanc.

History

Île-aux-Moines has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, as attested by the dolmens and other relics.

In 854, the then king of Brittany, Erispoe, gave a donation to the Abbey of Saint-Conwoïon in Redon, created by his father Nominoe. This became storage space of the abbey.

After the Norman invasions of the 10th century. the island was handed back to the parish of Arradon.

In 1453, it was given the status of parish.

In 1792 it became a commune in its own right.

Demographics

Inhabitants of Île-aux-Moines are called Ilois.

Monuments

There are many megalithic relics on the south side:

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Maires du Morbihan. 7 July 2020. Préfecture du Morbihan.