# Barleux > commune in Somme, France **Wikidata**: [Q45773](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q45773) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barleux) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/barleux ## Summary Barleux is a commune in the Somme department of northern France, situated in the historical region of Picardy. As part of the arrondissement of Péronne, this small rural municipality represents one of the thousands of communes that form the administrative backbone of France. The village was recognized with the Croix de guerre 1914-1918 for its suffering and resilience during World War I, reflecting its location in one of the most heavily contested regions of the conflict. ## Key Facts - **Location**: Barleux is located in the Somme department (inception: March 4, 1790) in the Picardy region of northern France - **Administrative Division**: Part of the arrondissement of Péronne - **Country**: France - **Commune Status**: Barleux is classified as a commune of France, a territorial subdivision for municipalities (communes established as administrative units: 1789) - **Coordinates**: Latitude 49.896944444444, Longitude 2.8902777777778 - **Population**: Historical population figures recorded at 239, 232, 234, 230, 233, 236, 232, 230, 229, and 233 residents across multiple census periods - **War Recognition**: Awarded the Croix de guerre 1914-1918 (French military decoration, inception: April 2, 1915) for World War I destruction - **Sitelink Count**: 44 (Wikipedia connections) ## FAQs **What type of administrative area is Barleux?** Barleux is a commune, which is the lowest-level administrative territorial division in France. Communes are analogous to municipalities or townships in other countries and serve as the fundamental unit of local government. The commune system was established in 1789 during the French Revolution and remains the primary organizational structure for local administration throughout France. **Where is Barleux located geographically?** Barleux is situated in the Somme department in the Picardy region of northern France, approximately 150 kilometers north of Paris. The commune falls within the arrondissement of Péronne, an administrative division that groups together municipalities for coordination of state services. The coordinates 49.8969°N 2.8903°E place it in the rolling agricultural terrain of the Somme basin, historically known for its fertile farmland and strategic military importance. **What historical significance does Barleux hold?** Barleux was awarded the Croix de guerre 1914-1918, a French military decoration instituted on April 2, 1915, to recognize towns and villages that suffered significant damage during World War I. This recognition reflects Barleux's location in the Somme department, which was the site of some of the most brutal fighting of the Great War, including the infamous Battle of the Somme (1916). The decoration acknowledges the destruction and suffering experienced by civilian populations in the region during the conflict. **What is the population of Barleux?** Barleux is a small rural commune with population figures recorded at various points in history: 239, 232, 234, 230, 233, 236, 232, 230, 229, and 233 residents. These figures represent the commune's population across multiple census periods, demonstrating relative stability typical of small French rural communities. The modest population size is consistent with the commune's character as a small agricultural village rather than an urban center. **What is the administrative structure of Barleux?** Barleux operates within France's hierarchical administrative system: it is a commune (lowest level), part of the arrondissement of Péronne (an administrative grouping within the department), located in the Somme department, which is part of the Hauts-de-France region. This structure was formalized with the department's creation on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution's reorganization of territorial administration. ## Why It Matters Barleux matters as a representative example of the small rural communes that form the fabric of French territorial administration. While modest in size, these communes collectively constitute the fundamental units of local governance in France, with over 35,000 communes nationwide. The recognition of Barleux with the Croix de guerre 1914-1918 connects it to the broader historical narrative of the Somme region, which played a pivotal role in World War I and remains significant in French national memory. The commune's location in the Somme department places it in one of France's agricultural heartlands, contributing to the nation's food production and rural heritage. Understanding Barleux provides insight into the decentralized nature of French administration, where even the smallest villages maintain distinct municipal identity and administrative functions. Furthermore, Barleux exemplifies the resilience of French rural communities. The award of military honors for war damage acknowledges both the destruction suffered and the determination to rebuild that characterized so many villages in the Somme region following the devastation of World War I. ## Notable For - **World War I Recognition**: Awarded the Croix de guerre 1914-1918 for destruction suffered during the Great War - **Historical Department**: Located in Somme, one of France's original 83 departments created during the Revolution - **Picardy Heritage**: Part of the historical Picardy region known for its distinct cultural identity, dialect, and agricultural traditions - **Military History**: Situated in the arrondissement of Péronne, a region that saw intense fighting during both World Wars - **Administrative Continuity**: Represents the French commune system established in 1789, demonstrating over two centuries of continuous municipal organization ## Body ### Geography and Location Barleux is positioned at coordinates 49.896944444444°N latitude and 2.8902777777778°E longitude, placing it in the northern French department of Somme within the Picardy (now part of Hauts-de-France) region. The commune sits in the Somme river basin, an area of relatively flat, fertile agricultural land that has been cultivated for centuries. This geographical setting has historically supported a rural economy based on agriculture, particularly grain farming and livestock husbandry. The commune's position within the arrondissement of Péronne places it under administrative coordination with other municipalities in the eastern portion of the Somme department. Péronne itself is a historic town known for its medieval castle and its strategic importance during various conflicts, particularly World War I, when the region became synonymous with trench warfare and the brutal stalemate between French and German forces. ### Administrative History and Structure Barleux exists within France's distinctive administrative system, which traces its modern structure to the French Revolution. The commune was established as part of the comprehensive reorganization of French territorial administration that began in 1789, when the ancient provinces and feudal divisions were replaced with a rational system of departments, arrondissements, and communes. The Somme department was created on March 4, 1790, as one of the original 83 departments established by the revolutionary government. This date marks the beginning of the modern administrative entity that encompasses Barleux. The department was named after the Somme River, which flows through the region and has played both a geographical and historical role in the area's development. As a commune of France, Barleux operates as a municipal corporation governed by a mayor and municipal council. The commune system in France is notable for its uniformity—regardless of population size, each commune has the same legal status and powers. This creates a highly decentralized system where even the smallest villages like Barleux maintain autonomous administrative functions separate from larger towns and cities. ### Historical Significance and War Recognition The Croix de guerre 1914-1918 awarded to Barleux represents one of the most significant recognitions in the commune's history. This military decoration was instituted on April 2, 1915, by the French government to recognize towns, villages, and geographical areas that suffered damage during World War I. The award acknowledges both the physical destruction inflicted upon the locality and the suffering endured by its civilian population. The Somme department became synonymous with the devastating battles of World War I, particularly the Battle of the Somme, which began on July 1, 1916, and lasted until November 18, 1916. This battle was one of the largest and bloodiest of the war, resulting in over one million casualties. The region around Péronne and Barleux was heavily contested, with villages destroyed and populations displaced as the front lines shifted across the landscape. The award of the Croix de guerre to Barleux places it among the numerous communes in the Somme and neighboring departments that were recognized for their sacrifice during the conflict. This recognition serves as permanent testimony to the commune's experience during the war and connects it to the broader narrative of French resilience and national unity during the conflict. ### Demographics and Population Barleux represents a small rural commune typical of the Somme department's interior. The population figures recorded across multiple census periods—239, 232, 234, 230, 233, 236, 232, 230, 229, and 233—demonstrate relative demographic stability with minor fluctuations. These numbers are consistent with the commune's character as a small agricultural settlement rather than a growing urban center. Rural depopulation has affected many small French communes since the mid-twentieth century, as younger generations migrated to larger cities seeking employment and educational opportunities. However, some communes have maintained stable populations, particularly those with proximity to larger urban centers or those maintaining viable agricultural economies. The population figures for Barleux suggest such stability, with the commune maintaining a modest but consistent population across measurement periods. The commune's small population size influences its administrative character. With fewer residents, municipal governance tends to be more intimate, with local affairs often dominated by agricultural concerns and community relationships typical of rural French life. These small communes nonetheless maintain full municipal services and participate fully in the departmental and regional administrative systems. ### Relationship to Surrounding Entities Barleux exists within a network of administrative and geographical relationships that define its place in French territorial organization. The commune's relationship to the Somme department connects it to a larger administrative entity with its own distinct identity, history, and institutional structures. The department capital, Amiens, serves as the administrative center for services including prefectural functions, departmental councils, and regional public services. The arrondissement of Péronne provides another layer of administrative coordination, grouping together municipalities for certain state functions while maintaining the commune's fundamental autonomy. The arrondissement system in France serves as an intermediate level between communes and departments, primarily for administrative coordination and state representation. At the national level, Barleux is part of France, a country with over 2,100 communes in the Somme department alone and over 35,000 nationwide. This extensive commune network represents one of the most decentralized administrative systems in Europe, with significant powers and responsibilities delegated to the municipal level. ### Cultural and Regional Identity Barleux is situated in Picardy, a historical region of northern France with distinct cultural, linguistic, and agricultural traditions. The Picardy region, now formally part of Hauts-de-France, has historically been characterized by its rural character, its dialect of French (Picard language), and its agricultural productivity. The region has contributed significantly to French cuisine, particularly through dishes like flamiche (a cheese tart) and quiche Lorraine (though technically from Lorraine, the dish is popular in the broader region). The Somme department specifically is known for its battlefields and memorials commemorating World War I, attracting visitors from around the world who come to pay respects at sites like the Thiepval Memorial, the Albert Basilica, and numerous Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries. This heritage tourism provides economic support to the region and maintains awareness of the area's historical significance. The commune's recognition with the Croix de guerre connects it to this broader narrative of remembrance and national significance. Annual commemorations on November 11 (Armistice Day) and other dates of significance bring together local populations, veterans' organizations, and political representatives to honor those who served and died during the conflict. ### Economic Character As a small rural commune, Barleux's economy has historically been based on agriculture, particularly grain cultivation and livestock farming. The fertile soils of the Somme basin have supported agriculture for millennia, and the region remains one of France's primary agricultural areas. Wheat, barley, and other cereal crops dominate the agricultural landscape, while livestock farming, particularly sheep and cattle, also contributes to the rural economy. The commune's small population suggests a limited commercial presence, with basic services likely concentrated in larger nearby towns. In rural France, small communes often depend on neighboring towns for services like healthcare, education beyond primary levels, and specialized retail. The arrangement reflects the hierarchical organization of rural settlement patterns, with larger towns serving as service centers for surrounding smaller communes. Modern economic activity in the Somme department includes manufacturing, particularly in the Amiens metropolitan area, as well as tourism related to the region's historical sites. The department also benefits from its proximity to the Channel Tunnel and ferry connections to England, positioning it as a gateway between France and the United Kingdom. ### Conclusion Barleux exemplifies the small rural commune that forms the foundation of French territorial administration. Its history, from establishment as part of the revolutionary administrative reorganization to its recognition for suffering during World War I, reflects the broader experience of communities throughout the Somme department and northern France. The commune's continued existence, maintaining stable population and administrative functions, demonstrates the resilience and persistence of rural French communities despite the economic and demographic changes that have reshaped the nation since the nineteenth century. The recognition of Barleux with the Croix de guerre 1914-1918 ensures that its historical significance is preserved and remembered. This honor connects the small commune to the larger narrative of French history, particularly the pivotal events of World War I that transformed the Somme region and left lasting impacts on the nation. As one of France's thousands of communes, Barleux represents the decentralized administrative tradition that characterizes French governance and maintains the connection between local communities and the national identity. ## References 1. BnF authorities 2. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018 3. INSEE code 4. répertoire géographique des communes 5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 6. Annuaire de service-public.fr 7. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017 8. Populations légales 2016 9. Populations légales 2017 10. Populations légales 2018 11. Populations légales 2019 12. Populations légales 2020 13. Populations légales 2021 14. Populations de référence 2022 15. Populations de référence 2023 16. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419) 17. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies 18. GeoNames 19. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z) 20. [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) 21. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)