town hall of Sermaises

The town hall of Sermaises serves the local government of a small commune in the Beauce plain, roughly fifteen kilometers north of Pithiviers in the Loiret department. Standing on rue de Paris, the building anchors civic life for a community of around 1,600 residents, who are known locally as the Sarmates.

Where does the name Sermaises come from?

The commune's name traces back to the Sarmatians, a people originally from the Black Sea region who, from the 4th century onward, supplied the Roman Empire with settlers and mercenaries. That legacy lives on in the nickname still used for the town's inhabitants today. The area's recorded history stretches back to the 7th century: around 623, Loup, archbishop of Sens, granted the local territory to the monks of Sainte-Colombe abbey. That grant was later confirmed in a charter dated 4 June 988, issued by Hugh Capet, the first king of the Capetian dynasty.

What is there to see around the town hall?

The standout landmark in Sermaises is the Church of Saint-Martin-et-Saint-Loup, built in the 13th century. It has been listed as a French historical monument since 1908, making it the natural focal point for anyone exploring the commune. The town hall itself, while not a heritage building, is the obvious first stop for visitors wanting practical information about local history or current community life.

What does the commune look like today?

Sermaises covers 2,064 hectares, all of it within the Beauce plain — a region defined by large-scale cereal and sugar beet farming. Fields surround the built-up center, giving the village a distinctly agricultural character typical of this part of Loiret. Population figures have climbed steadily over the centuries: around 600 residents in 1698, 873 in 1869, just under 900 in 1936, and past 1,600 by the late 20th century. The commune is currently led by mayor James Bruneau, serving the 2020–2026 term.

When can you visit the town hall?

The town hall is open Tuesday through Thursday and on Saturdays from 9:30 to 12:30. On Fridays, it opens both in the morning (9:30–12:30) and in the late afternoon (17:00–19:00). It stays closed on public holidays. It's worth checking the schedule before a visit, since these hours differ from the more common weekday pattern found at many French town halls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Sermaises located? Sermaises sits in the Loiret department, in the Centre-Val de Loire region, about 15 km north of Pithiviers, on the Beauce plain.

Why are residents of Sermaises called Sarmates? The nickname comes from the Sarmatians, a people who settled across Roman territory from the 4th century onward and left their mark on the commune's name.

What historic site is worth visiting in Sermaises? The 13th-century Church of Saint-Martin-et-Saint-Loup, listed as a French historical monument since 1908.

What are the town hall's opening hours? Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday, 9:30–12:30; Friday also 17:00–19:00; closed on public holidays.