Janzé

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Janzé is a commune in Brittany, in the Ille-et-Vilaine department of northwestern France. It lies about 16 miles southeast of Rennes, at the junction of roads D41 and D777. The area is hilly with farms, orchards and small woods. Janzé covers about 141 square kilometers and had 8,649 residents in 2023. The people from Janzé are called Janzéens.

History and culture:
Long ago, Gallic tribes lived in the area before the Romans. In the Middle Ages, two parishes formed: Saint-Martin and Saint-Pierre. After the French Revolution, the parishes were merged under Saint-Martin. In the 19th century, a new parish church was built, the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and today Janzé is part of the Parish of Saint Anne.

Two sites are listed as Monuments Historiques: The Fairies’ Rock (La Pierre des Fées), a standing stone, and the Church of Saint Martin.

Economy and production:
Janzé has long been a center for agriculture and trade. It is especially known for poultry. In 1980 the Janzé Poultry Association was created, and the poultry earned the Label Rouge designation and later an IGP status, with organic options appearing more recently. Farmers also grow grain, apples for cider and dairy products.

Railway and growth:
A railway station on the Rennes–Châteaubriant line opened in 1881, helping the town grow as a market hub.

World events:
Janzé was occupied by Germany from 1940 to 1944 and was liberated by American troops. In World War I, 187 Janzé residents died; a war memorial was placed in 1920.

Administration today:
Janzé is the seat of the Canton of Janzé and belongs to Roche aux Fées Communauté, a group of 16 communes. The mayor for 2020–2026 is Hubert Paris. The town has six schools.

Language:
Breton and Gallo traditions are part of the area's culture. Breton was once common in western Brittany, while Gallo was spoken in the Janzé area. Now French is dominant, though some Gallo (patois) words and customs remain.