tallien

Tallien is a commune located in the Finistère department of the Brittany region in northwestern France. The municipality covers an area of approximately 12 square kilometres and is situated about 30 kilometres south of the city of Brest. Its coordinates place it within a largely rural landscape that includes mixed agricultural fields and rolling hills typical of the Breton countryside.

The first recorded mention of Tallien dates back to the 12th century, when it appeared in a charter relating to the land holdings of the nearby Abbey of Saint-Florent. Throughout the Middle Ages, the village developed around a small parish church dedicated to Saint Gildas, which remains an architectural landmark. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Tallien's economy was primarily based on farming, especially wheat and barley production, and on the raising of sheep for mutton and wool.

During the French Revolution, Tallien was briefly known for a local revolutionary committee that aligned with revolutionary ideals. Although no major revolutionary battles occurred in the commune, the period brought administrative reorganisations to its governance structure. In the 19th century, the construction of a regional road connecting nearby towns improved trade and mobility, subsequently stimulating modest population growth.

Today, Tallien’s population is just over 800 residents. The local economy remains focused on agriculture, with small family farms dominating the landscape. The commune hosts an annual fair each September, celebrating traditional Breton music, dance, and cuisine. Community life is organised around the parish church and the municipal hall, which also serves as the venue for local council meetings and public events. Tallien remains representative of the quiet rural communities that characterize much of rural Brittany.