Vertou

Vertou is a commune with 21,681 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the department of Loire -Atlantique in the Pays de la Loire.

Etymology

The town's name derives from the Latin Vertavum. In the 18th century the town was also called Vrezou. Ins Breton, the name is translated " Gwerzhav ", but was spoken Breton in Vertou at any time.

Location

The city is located about ten kilometers ( driving distance ) south-east of Nantes in the valley of the Sevre Nantaise in an average height of about 28 meters above sea level. inst.

Demography

Demographics

The population increase in the last decades is quite essential due to the proximity to the city of Nantes and the comparatively low rents and land prices.

Age structure

28 percent of the population are 19 years old or younger. Six percent of the population 75 years of age or older.

Economy

The church for centuries has been dominated by agriculture to a large extent, but the acreage 1979-1994 declined from almost 1,300 to just under 800 hectares. Vertou is known for its viticulture known Muscadet (600 hectares ). Many garden centers offer from May 1, lilies and other flowers, because in Vertou there is an annual competition, which is to encourage people to plant flowers on the houses and gardens. Moreover, there is in the Vertou was founded forty years ago Industrial Park La Vertonne, whose 140 hectares nearly one hundred companies are settled with more than three thousand jobs.

History

Findings suggest that the area was inhabited by people since time immemorial. These include twenty stone axes and remains of a tomb, in addition to the human bones and pottery shards were found. From a later time Merovingian villas have been discovered, suggesting that Vertou was already a town at that time. Around the year 600, St. Martin of Vertou founded two monasteries in collaboration or on behalf of the Bishop of Nantes. The first church was built in the year 576, the second was founded in 840 by monks. The third church consisted of 945 until its destruction on September 17, 1793. The present church dates from the years 1875 to 1887. The built 1470-1560 by monks dam Chaussée des Moines regulated to date, the Sevre Nantaise. Under the reign of Louis XIV locks were also built; it was opened on 3rd September 1755. Already in 1830 the plant from 1639 ships was happening. The lock was restored in 2003.

Attractions

• Because of its historical importance, the scant remains of the former Abbey of Saint -Martin are recognized as a monument historique since 1971.
• The three-nave, built in neo-Gothic style shapes Saint-Martin Church was built in the years 1875-1887.
• In excavations re-used antique and Merovingian sarcophagi were discovered.
• The municipal area are several country houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, but all of them are privately owned and can not be visited.

Church of Saint -Martin

Interior of the church Saint -Martin

Figurative relief plate with the presentation of the Fall

Personalities

• Martin Vertou († 601 in Vertou ), Monk, builder of a monastery in Vertou
• Robert Hersant ( * 1920 in Vertou ), entrepreneurs, press, publishers and politicians
• Marie- Alphonse Bedeau (* 1804 in Vertou ), general and statesman

Twinning

The municipality maintains since August 25, 1957 city partnership with Swiss Morges (Vaud ).