# Castelnau-le-Lez

> commune in Hérault, France

**Wikidata**: [Q474555](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q474555)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castelnau-le-Lez)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/castelnau-le-lez

## Summary
Castelnau-le-Lez is a commune in the Hérault department of France, located in the Occitanie region. It is part of the Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole and is home to the Ubisoft Montpellier video game development studio, which is a subsidiary of Ubisoft. The commune has a population of approximately 26,058 inhabitants and is situated along the Lez River.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Commune in Hérault, Occitanie, France.
- **Population**: 26,058 (as of the latest available data).
- **Coordinates**: 43.636111°N, 3.901389°E.
- **Website**: [http://www.castelnau-le-lez.fr](http://www.castelnau-le-lez.fr).
- **Image**: The commune features the Church of Castelnau-le-Lez, an image available in the public domain.
- **River**: Located along the Lez River, a tributary of the Mediterranean Sea.
- **Administrative Region**: Part of the arrondissement of Montpellier and Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole.
- **Notable Entity**: Home to Ubisoft Montpellier, a French video game developer with over 400 employees.
- **Historical Context**: The commune is situated along the ancient Roman road Via Domitia, which connected Italy and Hispania through Gallia Narbonensis.
- **Canton**: Belongs to the canton of Castelnau-le-Lez.
- **Population History**: Population figures include 17,837 in 1954, 19,504 in 1962, 19,605 in 1968, 20,480 in 1975, 21,838 in 1982, 8,169 in 1990, 9,339 in 1999, 9,884 in 2006, 11,043 in 2012, 14,214 in 2013, 15,229 in 2014, 15,951 in 2015, 22,534 in 2016, 23,469 in 2017, 24,888 in 2018, 25,404 in 2019, and 26,058 in 2020.

## FAQs
**What is the population of Castelnau-le-Lez?**
The commune has a population of approximately 26,058 inhabitants, with historical data showing fluctuations over the years, including 17,837 in 1954 and 23,469 in 2017.

**Where is Castelnau-le-Lez located?**
Castelnau-le-Lez is located in the Hérault department of France, part of the Occitanie region, and lies along the Lez River. It is situated within the arrondissement of Montpellier and the Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole.

**What notable entities are based in Castelnau-le-Lez?**
The commune is home to Ubisoft Montpellier, a French video game developer with over 400 employees, which is a subsidiary of Ubisoft.

**What is the historical significance of Castelnau-le-Lez?**
The commune is situated along the ancient Roman road Via Domitia, which connected Italy and Hispania through Gallia Narbonensis, indicating its historical importance.

**What is the administrative structure of Castelnau-le-Lez?**
Castelnau-le-Lez belongs to the canton of Castelnau-le-Lez and is part of the arrondissement of Montpellier, contributing to the Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole.

## Why It Matters
Castelnau-le-Lez is significant as a regional hub in the Occitanie region of France, particularly due to its role as the home of Ubisoft Montpellier, a major video game development studio. The commune’s strategic location along the Lez River and its proximity to Montpellier contribute to its economic and cultural importance. Additionally, its historical alignment with the Via Domitia underscores its long-standing presence in the region. The presence of Ubisoft Montpellier highlights the commune’s role in supporting the gaming industry, providing employment opportunities, and contributing to the local economy. The commune’s administrative structure and population data reflect its growth and development over time, making it a vital part of the Hérault department and the broader French landscape.

## Notable For
- **Ubisoft Montpellier**: Home to a major video game development studio with over 400 employees, contributing significantly to the gaming industry.
- **Historical Alignment**: Situated along the ancient Roman road Via Domitia, reflecting its historical significance.
- **Administrative Role**: Part of the canton of Castelnau-le-Lez and the arrondissement of Montpellier, contributing to regional governance.
- **Population Growth**: Experienced notable population increases, including a rise from 17,837 in 1954 to 26,058 in 2020.
- **River Location**: Positioned along the Lez River, a tributary of the Mediterranean Sea, enhancing its geographical and ecological significance.

## Body
### Geography and Location
Castelnau-le-Lez is a commune located in the Hérault department of France, within the Occitanie region. The commune is situated at coordinates 43.636111°N, 3.901389°E, and is part of the arrondissement of Montpellier and the Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole. It lies along the Lez River, a tributary of the Mediterranean Sea, which contributes to its geographical and ecological significance.

### Population and Demographics
The commune has a population of approximately 26,058 inhabitants. Historical population data includes 17,837 in 1954, 19,504 in 1962, 19,605 in 1968, 20,480 in 1975, 21,838 in 1982, 8,169 in 1990, 9,339 in 1999, 9,884 in 2006, 11,043 in 2012, 14,214 in 2013, 15,229 in 2014, 15,951 in 2015, 22,534 in 2016, 23,469 in 2017, 24,888 in 2018, 25,404 in 2019, and 26,058 in 2020. This data reflects the commune’s growth and development over time.

### Administrative Structure
Castelnau-le-Lez is part of the canton of Castelnau-le-Lez and contributes to the regional governance of the Hérault department. The commune is also part of the Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole, which plays a significant role in regional planning and development.

### Historical Context
The commune is situated along the ancient Roman road Via Domitia, which connected Italy and Hispania through Gallia Narbonensis. This historical alignment underscores the commune’s long-standing presence and significance in the region.

### Notable Entities
Castelnau-le-Lez is home to Ubisoft Montpellier, a French video game developer with over 400 employees. The studio is a subsidiary of Ubisoft and is known for developing notable games, including "Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown" in 2024. The presence of Ubisoft Montpellier highlights the commune’s role in supporting the gaming industry and providing employment opportunities.

### Cultural and Economic Significance
The commune’s strategic location and the presence of Ubisoft Montpellier contribute to its economic and cultural importance. The commune’s website, [http://www.castelnau-le-lez.fr](http://www.castelnau-le-lez.fr), provides additional information and resources for residents and visitors. The Church of Castelnau-le-Lez, an image available in the public domain, reflects the commune’s historical and cultural heritage.

## References

1. [Castelnau-le-Lez : Frédéric Lafforgue élu maire par ses pairs. 2017](https://www.midilibre.fr/2017/10/03/frederic-lafforgue-un-maire-qui-connait-bien-sa-ville,1569594.php)
2. [Source](https://www.montpellier3m.fr/conna%C3%AEtre-territoire/31-communes)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. BnF authorities
5. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
6. INSEE code
7. [Source](http://archives-pierresvives.herault.fr/archive/fonds/FRAD034_057EDT)
8. répertoire géographique des communes
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. Annuaire de service-public.fr
11. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
12. Populations légales 2016
13. Populations légales 2017
14. Populations légales 2018
15. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
16. Populations légales 2019
17. Populations légales 2020
18. Populations légales 2021
19. Populations de référence 2022
20. Populations de référence 2023
21. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
22. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
23. GeoNames
24. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
25. [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)
26. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
27. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File