# Saint-Avé

> commune in Morbihan, Brittany

**Wikidata**: [Q128043](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q128043)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Avé)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/saint-av

## Summary
Saint-Avé is a commune located in the Morbihan department of Brittany, France. It is part of the administrative and cultural region of Brittany and falls under the jurisdiction of the arrondissement of Vannes, Golfe du Morbihan - Vannes Agglomération, and historically, the canton of Vannes-Est.

## Key Facts
- **Country**: France (République française)
- **Region**: Brittany (Bretagne)
- **Department**: Morbihan
- **Arrondissement**: Vannes
- **Intercommunality**: Golfe du Morbihan - Vannes Agglomération
- **Historical Canton**: Vannes-Est (until March 2015)
- **Population (latest)**: 12,470 (as of the most recent data)
- **Population (historical)**: 4,339 to 12,470 (fluctuating over time)
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 47.686666666667, Longitude -2.7344444444444
- **Website**: [https://www.saint-ave.bzh/](https://www.saint-ave.bzh/)
- **Aliases**: Sant-Teve
- **Wikipedia Title**: Saint-Avé
- **Wikidata Description**: commune in Morbihan, Brittany
- **Sitelink Count**: 42
- **Classification**: Commune of France (municipality)
- **Inception**: As a modern commune, established under the French municipal system post-1789
- **Language**: French (official); Breton (regional)

## FAQs
**Where is Saint-Avé located?**  
Saint-Avé is located in the Morbihan department within the Brittany region of France. It is administratively part of the arrondissement of Vannes and the intercommunality of Golfe du Morbihan - Vannes Agglomération.

**What is the population of Saint-Avé?**  
The population of Saint-Avé has varied over time, with the latest figure indicating 12,470 residents. Earlier figures include 11,927, 11,912, and 10,559, showing a generally increasing trend.

**What administrative divisions is Saint-Avé part of?**  
Saint-Avé belongs to the arrondissement of Vannes, the department of Morbihan, and the region of Brittany. It is also part of the Golfe du Morbihan - Vannes Agglomération intercommunal structure.

**What is the official website for Saint-Avé?**  
The official website for Saint-Avé is [https://www.saint-ave.bzh/](https://www.saint-ave.bzh/), which provides local information and services to residents and visitors.

**What is the historical administrative context of Saint-Avé?**  
Saint-Avé was formerly part of the canton of Vannes-Est, which was dissolved in March 2015 as part of French administrative reforms. It is now integrated into the broader Golfe du Morbihan - Vannes Agglomération community.

## Why It Matters
Saint-Avé represents a typical yet significant example of French local governance within the decentralized administrative structure of the country. As part of the Brittany region and Morbihan department, it contributes to the cultural and demographic fabric of northwestern France. Its integration into the Golfe du Morbihan - Vannes Agglomération reflects modern efforts to streamline regional cooperation and resource management. The commune also plays a role in preserving regional identity, particularly through the use of the Breton language and local traditions, while adapting to national administrative changes.

## Notable For
- **Regional Identity**: Located in the culturally distinct region of Brittany, known for its Celtic heritage and the Breton language.
- **Administrative Evolution**: Formerly part of the canton of Vannes-Est, reorganized into the Golfe du Morbihan - Vannes Agglomération.
- **Population Growth**: Shows a steady population increase over recent decades, from 4,339 to over 12,000.
- **Digital Presence**: Maintains an official website ([saint-ave.bzh](https://www.saint-ave.bzh/)) for civic engagement and information.
- **Geographic Positioning**: Situated in northwestern France, near the Gulf of Morbihan, a region known for its natural beauty and maritime culture.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Saint-Avé is situated in the northwestern region of France, specifically within the Morbihan department of Brittany. Its geographic coordinates are approximately latitude 47.6867 and longitude -2.7344. The commune benefits from proximity to the Gulf of Morbihan, a region known for its unique ria-type coastal geography and rich maritime culture. This positioning situates Saint-Avé within a historically and environmentally significant area of France.

### Administrative Structure
Saint-Avé is classified as a commune of France, the smallest administrative division in the country. It is part of:
- The **Morbihan department**, established in 1790.
- The **arrondissement of Vannes**, a sub-regional administrative unit.
- The **Golfe du Morbihan - Vannes Agglomération**, a communauté d'agglomération formed in 2017 to manage intercommunal affairs.
- Historically, it was part of the **canton of Vannes-Est**, which was dissolved in March 2015 during French administrative reforms.

### Demographics
The population of Saint-Avé has shown a consistent upward trend:
- Historical population data includes figures such as 4,339, 5,628, 6,618, 6,929, 8,303, 9,883, 10,559, 11,895, 11,912, 11,927, 12,173, and 12,470.
- The most recent population count indicates 12,470 residents.
- This growth reflects broader regional development and urbanization trends in the Vannes area.

### Governance and Civic Engagement
As a commune, Saint-Avé operates under the French municipal system established in 1789. It is governed by a mayor and municipal council, responsible for local civic matters. The commune's official website ([saint-ave.bzh](https://www.saint-ave.bzh/)) serves as a platform for local communication, civic services, and community engagement.

### Cultural and Linguistic Identity
Saint-Avé is located in Brittany, a region with a strong Celtic identity. While French is the official language, Breton—a regional language—also holds cultural significance. The commune's name "Saint-Avé" reflects this heritage, with "Sant-Teve" as a local alias. This dual linguistic identity contributes to the broader cultural landscape of Brittany.

### Historical Context
Saint-Avé's administrative evolution reflects changes in French governance:
- The dissolution of the canton of Vannes-Est in 2015 marked a shift toward larger intercommunal structures.
- Integration into the Golfe du Morbihan - Vannes Agglomération in 2017 represents a modern approach to regional cooperation and resource sharing.

### Related Entities
- **France**: The overarching national entity to which Saint-Avé belongs.
- **Brittany (Bretagne)**: The cultural and administrative region.
- **Morbihan**: The department within which Saint-Avé is located.
- **Arrondissement of Vannes**: The sub-regional administrative unit.
- **Golfe du Morbihan - Vannes Agglomération**: The intercommunal structure established in 2017.
- **Canton of Vannes-Est**: A former administrative division, dissolved in 2015.

### Technical and Digital Infrastructure
Saint-Avé maintains a digital presence through its official website ([saint-ave.bzh](https://www.saint-ave.bzh/)), which provides information on local governance, services, and community events. This digital infrastructure supports transparency and civic participation in the commune.

### Significance in French Communal Structure
Saint-Avé exemplifies the role of French communes in local governance. As part of the national framework established in 1789, it represents the foundational unit of French democracy. Its evolution—from historical cantons to modern intercommunalités—illustrates the adaptability and resilience of French local governance in response to societal and administrative changes.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
3. INSEE code
4. répertoire géographique des communes
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. Annuaire de service-public.fr
7. MusicBrainz
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. 2020](https://www.data.gouv.fr/fr/datasets/r/8442dfae-a878-49c6-be4c-20689b1c337c)
24. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)