# Argentan

> commune in Orne, France

**Wikidata**: [Q207622](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q207622)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentan)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/argentan

## Summary

Argentan is a commune located in the Orne department in the Normandy region of northwestern France. Situated at coordinates 48.7444° N latitude and -0.0203° W longitude, it serves as a subprefecture and the seat of the arrondissement of Argentan. The town is known for its historical significance and as a administrative center in rural Normandy.

## Key Facts

- **Location**: Normandy region, Orne department, France
- **Coordinates**: 48.744444° N, -0.020278° W
- **Administrative Status**: Subprefecture, seat of arrondissement of Argentan
- **Department**: Orne (inception: March 4, 1790)
- **Arrondissement**: Arrondissement of Argentan
- **Cantons**: Canton of Argentan-Est, Canton of Argentan-1 (since March 22, 2015), Canton of Argentan-2 (since March 22, 2015); previously Canton of Argentan-Ouest (until March 2015)
- **Population**: Approximately 13,500-14,500 residents (varies across recorded years)
- **Type of Entity**: Commune of France (communal status established: 1789)
- **Infrastructure**: Gare d'Argentan (railway station)
- **Website**: https://www.argentan.fr/
- **Country**: France
- **Wikipedia Title**: Argentan
- **Wikidata Description**: commune in Orne, France
- **Sitelink Count**: 64

## FAQs

**What region is Argentan located in?**

Argentan is located in the Normandy region of northwestern France, specifically in the Orne department. It serves as a subprefecture and is the principal town of the arrondissement of Argentan.

**What administrative divisions does Argentan belong to?**

Argentan is a commune in the Orne department, which was established on March 4, 1790. It is the seat of the arrondissement of Argentan and is divided into three cantons: Argentan-Est, Argentan-1, and Argentan-2. The canton of Argentan-Ouest existed until March 2015.

**How do I get to Argentan?**

Argentan is accessible by train via Gare d'Argentan, the town's railway station. The town is situated at coordinates 48.7444° N latitude and -0.0203° W longitude in northwestern France.

**What is the population of Argentan?**

Argentan's population has been recorded at varying figures across different years, with numbers ranging from approximately 13,300 to 14,500 residents, indicating relatively stable demographic trends in this Norman commune.

**What type of administrative unit is a commune in France?**

A commune is the smallest territorial subdivision for municipalities in France, established since 1789. Argentan is one of the communes in the Orne department, operating as a local administrative unit within the French territorial structure.

## Why It Matters

Argentan serves as an important administrative and economic center within the Orne department of Normandy. As a subprefecture and the seat of its arrondissement, the town functions as a crucial administrative hub for the surrounding rural area, providing government services, transportation infrastructure, and economic opportunities for local residents.

The town's historical significance as a traditional Norman settlement has contributed to its role as a regional center. Its location in the Normandy region places it within an area of considerable historical importance, particularly relating to the region's agricultural traditions and rural heritage.

As one of the communes forming the administrative fabric of France, Argentan exemplifies the decentralized structure of French local government. The presence of the railway station (Gare d'Argentan) underscores its importance as a transportation node connecting rural Normandy with larger urban centers, facilitating commerce, tourism, and daily commuting for residents.

The cantonal reorganization in 2015, which created Argentan-1 and Argentan-2 while discontinuing Argentan-Ouest, reflects ongoing adjustments in French administrative divisions to optimize local governance efficiency.

## Notable For

- **Administrative Center**: Serves as subprefecture and seat of arrondissement of Argentan
- **Railway Connectivity**: Home to Gare d'Argentan, providing rail services to the region
- **Norman Heritage**: Located in the historical region of Normandy with deep cultural roots
- **Administrative Evolution**: Experienced cantonal reorganization in 2015, reflecting changes in French local government structures

## Body

### Geography and Administrative Location

Argentan is situated in the northwestern French region of Normandy, specifically within the Orne department. The town lies at coordinates 48.744444° N latitude and -0.020277777777778° W longitude. As a subprefecture, Argentan holds significant administrative importance within the regional structure, serving as the seat of the arrondissement of Argentan, which administers the surrounding communes and provides governmental services to the local population.

### Administrative Structure

Argentan operates as a commune, which represents the smallest territorial subdivision for municipalities in France. The commune system was established in 1789, following the French Revolution, and continues to serve as the fundamental unit of local administration in France. Within the French administrative hierarchy, Argentan belongs to:

- **Country**: France
- **Region**: Normandy
- **Department**: Orne (established March 4, 1790)
- **Arrondissement**: Argentan (administrative center)
- **Cantons**: The town is divided into multiple cantons, including Argentan-Est and the reorganized cantons of Argentan-1 and Argentan-2, both established on March 22, 2015. Previously, the canton of Argentan-Ouest existed until March 2015, reflecting administrative reforms aimed at optimizing local governance structures.

### Infrastructure and Transportation

The town is served by Gare d'Argentan, a railway station that provides rail connectivity to residents and facilitates transportation within Normandy and beyond. This railway infrastructure positions Argentan as a transportation hub for the surrounding rural area, connecting the commune to larger urban centers and supporting both commuter traffic and economic exchange.

### Demographics and Population

Population data indicates that Argentan maintains a relatively stable population base, with recorded figures spanning from approximately 13,300 to 14,500 residents across various reporting periods. This demographic stability reflects the town's role as a sustained residential and administrative center within rural Normandy.

### Local Governance and Services

As a subprefecture, Argentan houses administrative offices and governmental services that serve not only the town's residents but also the surrounding communes within the arrondissement. This administrative function contributes to the local economy and reinforces the town's significance as a regional center. The municipal website (https://www.argentan.fr/) provides information about local services, administrative procedures, and community resources.

### Historical Context

The establishment of the Orne department in 1790 placed Argentan within a defined administrative framework that has evolved over more than two centuries. The cantonal system, which underwent reorganization in 2015, demonstrates the ongoing adaptation of French administrative divisions to contemporary governance needs while maintaining the historical continuity of local administrative structures.

### Regional Significance

Argentan's position within Normandy places it in a region known for its agricultural heritage, historical sites, and cultural traditions. The town functions as an administrative, economic, and transportation node for the surrounding rural territory, contributing to the overall functionality of the Orne department and the broader Normandy region.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
4. INSEE code
5. répertoire géographique des communes
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Annuaire de service-public.fr
8. MusicBrainz
9. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
10. Populations légales 2016
11. Populations légales 2017
12. Populations légales 2018
13. Populations légales 2019
14. Populations légales 2020
15. Populations légales 2021
16. Populations de référence 2022
17. Populations de référence 2023
18. Flickr Shapefiles Public Dataset 2.0
19. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
20. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
21. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
22. GeoNames
23. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
24. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
25. [Mairie d'Argentan: Overview | LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/mairie-d'argentan/)
26. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
27. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
28. museum-digital