Une trame communale immuable ? La nécessaire géohistoire des communes françaises (1800-2024)

Abstract

Since the French Revolution, "communes" (municipalities) have represented the smallest and most numerous tier of French territorial administration; however, little is known about the evolution of this network. This article offers a spatial perspective on the changes in the number of French communes. The data utilized are drawn from the “Cassini” database, which is introduced along with its limitations. The article starts with an analysis of the rate of change in the number of French communes, identifying three distinct periods of significant decline: the 1800s to the 1830s, the 1960s to the 1970s, and the 2010s. Each of these periods displays a unique geographical context, suggesting that the "département" serves as a useful framework for understanding communal dynamics, especially considering the influence of decentralized state administration. Building on this observation, the article proposes a typology of "départements".

Keywords

• municipality
• local authority
• evolution
• geohistory