Le Mans

Département : Sarthe

Official blason

(fr) De gueules, à la croix d'or chargée d'une clef de sable en pal et cantonnée de quatre chandeliers d'argent; au chef cousu d'azur chargé de trois fleurs de lis d'or; le tout enfermé dans une filière d'or.

Origin/meaning

The chandeliers refer to a legend about a miracle that occurred at the funerals of Saint Julian, first bishop of Le Mans (in the 3rd century AD), in which three ever-burning candles were involved. The oldest arms of Le Mans showed only the candles.

Le Mans became a free city in the 11^th century which is represented by the key. The chief of France indicates that the Le Mans was a Royal city, with the honour of having its mayor represented at the coronation ceremony of the French Kings.