# Bellenaves

> commune in Allier, France

**Wikidata**: [Q263971](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q263971)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bellenaves)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bellenaves

## Summary
Bellenaves is a commune in the Allier department of France, located in the central region of the country. This small municipality, with a population of around 1,017 as of recent estimates, serves as a local administrative and cultural hub within its region. It is historically tied to the canton of Ébreuil and is notable for its railway station, Gare de Bellenaves.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Commune in France, a territorial subdivision for municipalities.
- **Location**: Situated in the Allier department, within the arrondissements of Vichy and Montluçon, in central France.
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 46.200555555556, Longitude 3.08.
- **Population**: Recent figures range between 982 and 1,196, with the most current estimate at 1,017.
- **Historical Aliases**: Known historically as Mont-sur-Bellenave and Saint-Bonnet-de-Bellenaves (réunie à Tizon et Bellenaves).
- **Official Website**: https://www.bellenaves.fr.
- **Connected Infrastructure**: Hosts Gare de Bellenaves, a railway station serving the commune.
- **Sitelink Count**: 47 links on Wikidata, indicating its digital presence and relevance.
- **Wikipedia Title**: Bellenaves, as documented on Wikipedia.
- **Wikidata Description**: Officially described as a commune in Allier, France.

## FAQs
**Where is Bellenaves located within France?**  
Bellenaves is positioned in the Allier department, in the central part of France. It falls under the administrative oversight of the arrondissements of Vichy and Montluçon, and historically was part of the canton of Ébreuil until March 2015.

**What is the population of Bellenaves?**  
The population of Bellenaves has fluctuated between 982 and 1,196 in recent records, with the latest estimate standing at approximately 1,017 residents. This reflects a small but stable community typical of rural French communes.

**What historical names has Bellenaves been known by?**  
Over time, Bellenaves has been referred to as Mont-sur-Bellenave and Saint-Bonnet-de-Bellenaves, the latter indicating a historical union with nearby areas like Tizon. These names highlight its evolving identity within the region.

**Does Bellenaves have any notable infrastructure?**  
Yes, Bellenaves is home to Gare de Bellenaves, a railway station that connects the commune to broader transportation networks in France. This facility supports local mobility and economic activity.

**How can I learn more about Bellenaves online?**  
The official website for Bellenaves is https://www.bellenaves.fr, providing detailed information about local governance, events, and services. Additionally, its Wikipedia page titled "Bellenaves" offers further historical and cultural insights.

## Why It Matters
Bellenaves holds significance as a microcosm of rural French life, embodying the administrative and cultural fabric of the Allier department. As a commune, it plays a vital role in local governance, preserving regional heritage while facilitating community engagement through its infrastructure like Gare de Bellenaves. Its position within the arrondissements of Vichy and Montluçon underscores its contribution to the broader administrative structure of France, ensuring that even smaller locales have a voice in national systems. For residents and historians, Bellenaves represents a tangible link to historical naming conventions and territorial evolutions, such as its past association with the canton of Ébreuil. Furthermore, its digital footprint, evidenced by a robust sitelink count and an official website, ensures accessibility and relevance in a modern context, bridging traditional rural identity with contemporary connectivity.

## Notable For
- **Historical Naming**: Unique for its past aliases, Mont-sur-Bellenave and Saint-Bonnet-de-Bellenaves, reflecting historical territorial amalgamations.
- **Railway Connectivity**: Distinguished by the presence of Gare de Bellenaves, a key local transport hub.
- **Digital Presence**: Stands out with 47 sitelinks on Wikidata, indicating a notable online footprint for a small commune.
- **Administrative Role**: Recognized as part of the intricate French communal system within Allier, contributing to regional governance.

## Body

### Location and Geography
Bellenaves is a commune located in the Allier department of France, positioned at the geographic coordinates of latitude 46.200555555556 and longitude 3.08. This places it in the central part of the country, within a region known for its rural landscapes and historical significance. It falls under the administrative purview of the arrondissements of Vichy and Montluçon, two key subdivisions of Allier, which itself was established on March 4, 1790. Historically, Bellenaves was part of the canton of Ébreuil until its reorganization in March 2015, linking it to broader regional administrative changes.

### Population and Demographics
The population of Bellenaves has shown slight variations over recent years, with figures ranging from a low of 982 to a high of 1,196. The most recent estimate pegs the population at approximately 1,017 residents, indicative of a small, stable rural community. These numbers reflect the typical demographic profile of a French commune, where population fluctuations are often tied to local economic and social factors. This data provides a snapshot of Bellenaves as a modestly sized municipality within the larger context of Allier’s 105 sitelinks on Wikidata, highlighting its place among other departmental entities.

### Historical Context and Naming
Bellenaves carries a rich historical identity, evidenced by its alternative names over time. It has been known as Mont-sur-Bellenave, suggesting a topographic or locational significance, and as Saint-Bonnet-de-Bellenaves, which indicates a historical merger with nearby areas such as Tizon. These aliases provide insight into the commune’s past territorial configurations and cultural evolutions, tying it to the broader narrative of French municipal history that dates back to the establishment of communes in 1789. This historical depth adds a layer of distinction to Bellenaves within the Allier department.

### Administrative Connections
As a commune, Bellenaves is integrated into France’s intricate system of territorial subdivisions, a structure formalized in 1789. It is situated within the Allier department, which was created in 1790 and holds a significant digital presence with 105 sitelinks on Wikidata. The commune is also associated with the arrondissements of Vichy and Montluçon, administrative divisions with 33 and 34 sitelinks respectively, reflecting their importance in regional governance. Until March 2015, Bellenaves was part of the canton of Ébreuil, a connection that situates it within a historical administrative framework before modern reorganizations took effect.

### Infrastructure and Connectivity
A notable feature of Bellenaves is the Gare de Bellenaves, a railway station that serves as a critical piece of local infrastructure. This station facilitates transportation for residents and visitors, linking the commune to wider regional and national networks. With a sitelink count of 6 on Wikidata, the station underscores Bellenaves’ role as a minor but essential node in France’s transport system. This connectivity enhances the commune’s accessibility, supporting both economic activity and social interactions within and beyond Allier.

### Digital and Informational Presence
Bellenaves maintains a modern digital footprint, crucial for visibility and engagement in today’s world. Its official website, https://www.bellenaves.fr, serves as a primary resource for information on local governance, community events, and services. Additionally, with 47 sitelinks on Wikidata, Bellenaves demonstrates a robust online presence for a commune of its size, ensuring it remains accessible to researchers, tourists, and residents alike. Its Wikipedia page, titled simply "Bellenaves," further amplifies its reach, providing detailed historical and cultural narratives to a global audience.

### Relation to Broader French Context
Bellenaves exists within the larger framework of France, a country with a rich history dating back to the Treaty of Verdun in 843, which established West Francia. France, with its capital in Paris and a population of over 68 million as of 2025 estimates, encompasses a vast array of communes like Bellenaves, each contributing to the nation’s decentralized administrative system. The country’s global influence, through its membership in organizations like the European Union and the United Nations Security Council, indirectly shapes the context in which Bellenaves operates, linking local governance to international dynamics. This connection highlights how even small communes are part of France’s broader cultural, political, and economic tapestry.

## 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. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
9. Populations légales 2016
10. Populations légales 2017
11. Populations légales 2018
12. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
13. Populations légales 2019
14. Populations légales 2020
15. Populations légales 2021
16. Populations de référence 2022
17. Populations de référence 2023
18. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
19. [Source](http://cassini.ehess.fr/cassini/fr/html/fiche.php?select_resultat=4846)
20. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
21. GeoNames
22. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
23. [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)
24. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)