Sarthe

In the late 18th century, before it was officially Sarthe, the nobility built their mansions and chateaux in this region, as an escape from Paris. The department was created during the French Revolution on 4 March 1790, pursuant to the law of 22 December 1789, starting from a part of the province of Maine. The latter was divided into two departments, Sarthe to the east and Mayenne to the west. In Roman times, this province contained the city of Mans, and many of its ruins are still standing. The Roman Thermal Bathhouse attracts many tourists, as does the Theater of Aubigné-Racan, both located on the outskirts of Anjou, Maine, and Touraine. Marin Mersenne, perhaps the most important scientific figure in the early 17th century, was born in the vicinity of Sarthe. == Geography ==

The department of Sarthe is at the north end of the administrative region of Pays de la Loire. It is south of Normandy and on the southern edge of the Armorican Massif. It is bordered by the departments of Orne, Eure-et-Loir, Loir-et-Cher, Indre-et-Loire, Maine-et-Loire and Mayenne. The arrival of the railways in 1854 boosted trade for the local economy. A TGV connection was constructed in 1989, connecting the community to high-speed transport. In terms of road connections, the A11 autoroute, which was constructed to Le Mans from the east in 1978, enhances Sarthe's strategic position as the gateway to the French west. Principal towns The most populous commune is Le Mans, the prefecture. Approximately 370,000 people, comprising 65% of the department's population, live in the Le Mans urban area. The rest of the department retains a rural character, with agriculture as the chief part of the economy. As of 2023, there are 6 communes with more than 8,000 inhabitants: == Demographics ==

Population development since 1801: ==Politics==

The department was the electoral base of former Prime Minister François Fillon, who since 2012 sits in the National Assembly of France for a constituency in central Paris. The president of the Departmental Council is Dominique Le Mèner, elected in 2015. Presidential elections 2nd round Current National Assembly Representatives ==Tourism==

File:Le Mans muraille Gallo Romaine nord-est.JPG|Gallo-Roman walls and Cathedral in Le Mans File:Le Mans - St Julien SGW (large version).jpg|Stained glass in Le Mans Cathedral File:908 lm2008 montagny.jpg|The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the world's oldest continuing sports car race in endurance racing. File:La Ferte Bernard - Eglise ND Marais 15.jpg|Church of La Ferté-Bernard File:Le Lude castle, aerial view.jpg|Château du Lude File:FR-GD-Courtanvaux1.JPG|Château de Courtanvaux == See also ==