# Locmariaquer

> commune in Morbihan, France

**Wikidata**: [Q71657](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q71657)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locmariaquer)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/locmariaquer

## Summary
Locmariaquer is a commune located in the Morbihan department of Brittany, France, known for its rich archaeological heritage and megalithic monuments. It is home to significant prehistoric structures such as the menhir d'Er Grah and the Table des Marchand. The commune is part of the arrondissement of Lorient and has a population that has varied between 1,200 and 1,600 over recent decades.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Commune in France
- **Location**: Morbihan department, Brittany, France
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 47.5692, Longitude -2.9453
- **Population (Recent)**: Ranging from 1,265 to 1,630 (2013–2025)
- **Notable Monuments**:
  - Menhir d'Er Grah: A large broken menhir dating to 5000 BC
  - Tumulus d'Er Grah: A tumulus dating to 4500 BC
  - Table des Marchand: A dolmen
- **Arrondissement**: Lorient
- **Official Website**: [http://www.locmariaquer.fr](http://www.locmariaquer.fr)
- **Image Credit**: Jean-Charles GUILLO (Public domain)
- **Wikidata Description**: Commune in Morbihan, France
- **Sitelink Count**: 42

## FAQs

**What is Locmariaquer known for?**  
Locmariaquer is best known for its prehistoric monuments, including the menhir d'Er Grah, the Table des Marchand, and the tumulus d'Er Grah. These structures date back to the Neolithic period and are among the oldest megalithic sites in Europe.

**Where is Locmariaquer located?**  
It is located in the Morbihan department in the Brittany region of France, within the arrondissement of Lorient.

**What is the population of Locmariaquer?**  
The population has ranged between 1,265 and 1,630 over the past decade, with recent figures indicating a stable community of around 1,500 residents.

**What are the major historical sites in Locmariaquer?**  
Key sites include:
- **Menhir d'Er Grah**: A large, broken menhir from 5000 BC
- **Tumulus d'Er Grah**: A Neolithic burial mound from 4500 BC
- **Table des Marchand**: A dolmen structure

**Is Locmariaquer part of any international or national heritage systems?**  
While not explicitly stated, its megalithic sites are of significant archaeological and historical interest and contribute to France's cultural heritage.

**What is the administrative structure of Locmariaquer?**  
It is a commune, the smallest administrative division in France, part of the Morbihan department and the Lorient arrondissement.

## Why It Matters
Locmariaquer holds immense archaeological and historical significance due to its well-preserved Neolithic monuments, which provide insight into early European societies. These sites are among the oldest and most complex in Western Europe, offering researchers and visitors a window into prehistoric life. The commune also contributes to the cultural identity of Brittany and France, preserving ancient traditions and heritage through its monuments and local community.

## Notable For
- **Menhir d'Er Grah**: One of the largest broken menhirs in Europe, dating to 5000 BC
- **Tumulus d'Er Grah**: A Neolithic burial site from 4500 BC
- **Table des Marchand**: A rare dolmen structure with historical and cultural value
- **Archaeological Significance**: Home to some of the oldest megalithic structures in Europe
- **Cultural Heritage**: Represents the rich prehistoric legacy of Brittany
- **Stable Population**: Maintaining a community of around 1,500 residents over decades
- **Natural Beauty**: Located near the Pointe de Kerperhir, a scenic coastal area

## Body

### Geography and Location
Locmariaquer is situated in the Morbihan department in the Brittany region of France. Its coordinates are approximately **latitude 47.5692, longitude -2.9453**, placing it on the southern coast of Brittany. The commune is part of the **arrondissement of Lorient**, a sub-region within the Morbihan department. The area is known for its scenic coastal landscapes, particularly around the **Pointe de Kerperhir**, which is depicted in public domain images by local photographer Jean-Charles GUILLO.

### History and Archaeological Significance
Locmariaquer is renowned for its prehistoric monuments, which are among the oldest in Europe:
- **Menhir d'Er Grah**: A massive menhir dating to **5000 BC**, now broken, and considered one of the largest of its kind.
- **Tumulus d'Er Grah**: A Neolithic burial mound from **4500 BC**, offering insight into early European burial practices.
- **Table des Marchand**: A dolmen structure, significant for its architectural and cultural value.

These monuments are central to understanding the region's Neolithic past and are key attractions for researchers and tourists alike.

### Demographics and Community
The population of Locmariaquer has remained relatively stable, ranging from **1,265 to 1,630** over the past two decades. The commune has shown modest growth and stability, with recent figures hovering around **1,500 residents**. This demographic consistency supports a small but active local community.

### Administration and Governance
As a **commune of France**, Locmariaquer is part of the country's decentralized administrative structure. It is classified under the **commune of France** entity, established in the French Revolutionary period (1789). The commune operates under the broader governance of the **Morbihan department**, which was created on **March 4, 1790**.

### Cultural and Digital Presence
Locmariaquer maintains a digital presence through its official website: [http://www.locmariaquer.fr](http://www.locmariaquer.fr). The commune is also documented on **Wikipedia** and has a **sitelink count of 42**, indicating moderate digital visibility. The **Pointe de Kerperhir** is frequently featured in imagery, with contributions from photographer Jean-Charles GUILLO under public domain licensing.

### Related Entities and Monuments
- **Morbihan**: The department in which Locmariaquer is located.
- **Arrondissement of Lorient**: The administrative district overseeing the commune.
- **Menhir d'Er Grah**: A prehistoric monument dating to 5000 BC.
- **Tumulus d'Er Grah**: A Neolithic burial site from 4500 BC.
- **Table des Marchand**: A dolmen structure of cultural significance.

These entities and monuments contribute to Locmariaquer's identity as a site of historical and archaeological importance.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
4. INSEE code
5. répertoire géographique des communes
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Annuaire de service-public.fr
8. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
9. Populations légales 2016
10. Populations légales 2017
11. Populations légales 2018
12. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
13. Populations légales 2019
14. Populations légales 2020
15. Populations légales 2021
16. Populations de référence 2022
17. Populations de référence 2023
18. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
19. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
20. GeoNames
21. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
22. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
23. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
24. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File