# Cenon

> commune in Gironde, France

**Wikidata**: [Q1053472](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1053472)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cenon)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cenon

## Summary

Cenon is a commune in the Gironde department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in southwestern France, situated on the left bank of the Garonne River. It is part of the Bordeaux Métropole and serves as a residential suburb within the greater Bordeaux metropolitan area. The commune is home to Cenon railway station, which provides transit connections to the regional rail network.

## Key Facts

- **Location**: Gironde department, Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, France
- **Coordinates**: 44.8569° N latitude, -0.5328° W longitude
- **Administrative Status**: Commune in France (territorial subdivision since 1789)
- **Metropolitan Area**: Bordeaux Métropole (established 1966)
- **Department**: Gironde (established March 4, 1790)
- **Arrondissement**: Bordeaux
- **Country**: France
- **Website**: https://www.cenon.fr
- **Wikipedia Title**: Cenon
- **Wikidata Description**: commune in Gironde, France
- **Sitelink Count**: 55
- **Population Range**: 17,713 to 26,834 (historical census data)
- **Rail Infrastructure**: Cenon railway station

## FAQs

**What type of administrative area is Cenon?**
Cenon is a commune, which is the smallest territorial subdivision for municipalities in France. It is part of the Gironde department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and falls under the jurisdiction of the arrondissement of Bordeaux.

**Which metropolitan area does Cenon belong to?**
Cenon is a member of Bordeaux Métropole, a French metropole (intercommunal structure) that was established on December 31, 1966. This metropolitan area encompasses the city of Bordeaux and surrounding communes, coordinating transportation, urban planning, and economic development across the region.

**What is Cenon's geographic position within France?**
Cenon is located in southwestern France in the Gironde department, situated on the left bank of the Garonne River. The commune's coordinates are approximately 44.86° N latitude and 0.53° W longitude, placing it within the Bordeaux metropolitan area in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.

**What transportation infrastructure serves Cenon?**
Cenon is served by Cenon railway station, which provides connections to the French national rail network (SNCF). The station enables residents to access Bordeaux and other destinations within the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and beyond.

**What is the population of Cenon?**
Cenon's population has varied across historical census records, with figures ranging from approximately 17,713 to 26,834 residents depending on the year. These population figures reflect the commune's growth and demographic changes over time.

## Why It Matters

Cenon matters as a component of the Bordeaux metropolitan area, one of France's major urban centers and the largest city in southwestern France. As part of Bordeaux Métropole, Cenon contributes to the region's economic, cultural, and transportation networks while serving as a residential hub for the greater Bordeaux area. The commune's location on the Garonne River and its railway station make it a strategically important node in regional transportation infrastructure. Its inclusion in the Gironde department, one of France's original departments established during the French Revolution in 1790, connects Cenon to over two centuries of administrative history. The commune's participation in Bordeaux Métropole (established 1966) reflects the broader French approach to metropolitan governance and regional development planning.

## Notable For

- **Railway Station**: Cenon railway station provides regional rail connections serving the commuting population
- **Garonne River Location**: Situated on the left bank of one of France's major rivers
- **Bordeaux Métropole Membership**: Part of the metropolitan area governing Bordeaux and surrounding communes since 1966
- **Historical Department**: Located in Gironde, one of the original French departments created in 1790
- **Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region**: Part of the largest region in metropolitan France by area

## Body

### Geography and Location

Cenon is geographically positioned in southwestern France within the Gironde department of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. The commune sits on the left (northern) bank of the Garonne River, which flows through the Bordeaux metropolitan area. Its precise coordinates are 44.856944444444° north latitude and -0.53277777777778° west longitude. The terrain along the Garonne riverbank characterizes the local geography, with the river serving as a natural boundary and transportation corridor. The commune's position within the Bordeaux metropolitan area places it in close proximity to the city of Bordeaux, the largest urban center in southwestern France and a major cultural, economic, and wine-producing region.

### Administrative Structure

Cenon operates as a commune, which is the fundamental territorial subdivision in France for municipalities. The French commune system traces its origins to 1789, during the French Revolution, when the new government abolished the traditional provinces and established departments divided into districts, cantons, and communes. Today, communes function as the lowest level of administrative organization in France, similar to municipalities in other countries. Cenon is administered at the departmental level by the Gironde prefecture and at the arrondissement level by the subprefecture of Bordeaux. The commune falls under the jurisdiction of the Bordeaux administrative court and the Bordeaux court of appeal.

### Departmental Context: Gironde

Cenon is located in the Gironde department, which was officially established on March 4, 1790, during the early stages of the French Revolution. Gironde is one of the original 83 departments created by the National Constituent Assembly as part of the rationalization of French administrative divisions. The department is named after the Gironde estuary, formed by the confluence of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, which is the largest estuary in western Europe. Gironde is part of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, which became France's largest region by area following the 2016 territorial reorganization that merged Aquitaine, Limousin, and Poitou-Charentes. The department's prefecture (capital) is Bordeaux, and it includes 543 communes within its borders.

### Metropolitan Organization: Bordeaux Métropole

Cenon is an integral member of Bordeaux Métropole, a metropolitan intercommunal structure (établissement public de coopération intercommunale) that brings together the city of Bordeaux and surrounding communes. Bordeaux Métropole was established on December 31, 1966, reflecting post-war French efforts to coordinate urban planning and economic development across metropolitan areas. The métropole serves as a vehicle for coordinating transportation infrastructure, including the tramway network, regional train services, and bus rapid transit. It also manages economic development initiatives, spatial planning, and environmental policies across the metropolitan region. Bordeaux Métropole comprises numerous communes that work collectively to address urban challenges, promote sustainable development, and enhance the competitiveness of the Bordeaux area within France and Europe.

### Transportation and Infrastructure

Transportation infrastructure constitutes a critical aspect of Cenon's connectivity within the Bordeaux metropolitan area. Cenon railway station (Gare de Cenon) provides essential rail connections to the French national railway network operated by SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français). The station enables commuters and travelers to access Bordeaux Saint-Jean railway station and other destinations throughout the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and beyond. The railway line through Cenon forms part of the important rail corridor connecting Bordeaux to Paris and other major French cities. Beyond rail, the commune benefits from road connections that link it to the Bordeaux ring road (rocade) and the A10 autoroute, which provides highway access to Paris and other destinations. The Garonne River, while no longer a primary transportation route, historically contributed to the region's economic development through navigation and trade.

### Historical Context

The establishment of Cenon as a commune reflects the broader administrative transformation of France following the French Revolution. The commune system, created in 1789, replaced the previous parochial and seigniorial divisions with a uniform administrative structure based on rational, geometric principles. Gironde's creation in 1790 divided the former province of Guyenne into new administrative units. The development of Cenon as a commune occurred within this new framework, and over more than two centuries, it has evolved from a potentially rural settlement into a suburban community within the Bordeaux metropolitan area. The expansion of the railway network in the 19th and 20th centuries, the growth of the Bordeaux urban area, and the post-war suburbanization trends all contributed to Cenon's development as a residential commune.

### Regional Context: Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Cenon participates in the life of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, which became France's largest region by area following the 2016 territorial reform. Nouvelle-Aquitaine encompasses the former regions of Aquitaine, Limousin, and Poitou-Charentes, spanning from the Atlantic coast to the Massif Central. The region is renowned for its wine production (particularly around Bordeaux and the Dordogne Valley), its coastal resorts (including Biarritz and the Côte d'Argent), and its forested areas (including the Landes forest). The regional capital is Bordeaux, which also serves as the prefecture of Gironde department. The region's economy relies heavily on agriculture, tourism, aerospace (with Toulouse nearby), and traditional industries. The presence of the University of Bordeaux and numerous research institutions contributes to the region's knowledge-based economy.

### Demographics and Community

As a residential suburb of Bordeaux, Cenon serves as a home for commuters working in the metropolitan center. The population figures recorded in various census years (ranging from approximately 17,713 to 26,834) reflect the demographic fluctuations and growth patterns typical of French suburban communes. These variations result from broader economic conditions, housing development patterns, and the attractiveness of the Bordeaux metropolitan area for new residents. The commune provides residential amenities, local services, and community facilities for its population. Its position within Bordeaux Métropole facilitates access to employment opportunities, cultural attractions, and educational institutions in Bordeaux proper.

### Connected Entities and Relationships

Cenon maintains administrative and geographic relationships with several key entities:

**Administrative Hierarchy:**
- France (nation-state)
- Nouvelle-Aquitaine (region)
- Gironde (department)
- Arrondissement of Bordeaux (sub-departmental administrative unit)
- Bordeaux Métropole (metropolitan intercommunal structure)

**Infrastructure:**
- Cenon railway station (rail transportation)

**Classification:**
- Commune of France (municipal territorial subdivision)

The commune of France classification, established in 1789, defines Cenon's fundamental status as a municipal territorial unit within the French administrative system. This classification applies to all municipalities across France, from the smallest rural communes to the largest cities like Paris and Marseille.

### International and European Context

While Cenon itself is a local administrative unit, it exists within France's broader position in European and international affairs. France, as a founding member of the European Union and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, provides the national framework within which Cenon operates. The commune benefits from EU regional development programs that fund infrastructure and economic development in southwestern France. France's membership in the Schengen Area facilitates movement across European borders, while the euro currency (adopted in 1999) simplifies economic transactions. The Bordeaux region's integration into European transportation networks, including the high-speed train system and motorway connections to Spain and other countries, enhances Cenon's connectivity beyond France's borders.

### Economic and Cultural Significance

Cenon's economic significance derives primarily from its role as a residential suburb within the Bordeaux metropolitan area. The commune contributes to the regional economy by providing housing for workers employed in Bordeaux's diverse economic sectors, including wine trade, aerospace, tourism, and professional services. The Bordeaux wine region, a UNESCO World Heritage site, generates significant economic activity and international recognition for the entire region. Cultural institutions in Bordeaux, including museums, theaters, and universities, serve residents of Cenon and surrounding communes. The proximity to Bordeaux's historic center, with its architectural heritage and urban amenities, enhances Cenon's appeal as a place of residence.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.cenon.fr/la-mairie/conseil-municipal/les-elus)
2. [Source](https://www.cenon.fr/decouvrir-cenon/villes-jumelles-et-partenaires/jumelage-avec-laredo)
3. [Source](https://meknes.ma/langue-ar/actualites/detailsact.aspx?idact=1184)
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. BnF authorities
6. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
7. INSEE code
8. répertoire géographique des communes
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. Annuaire de service-public.fr
11. MusicBrainz
12. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
13. Populations légales 2016
14. Populations légales 2017
15. Populations légales 2018
16. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
17. Populations légales 2019
18. Populations légales 2020
19. Populations légales 2021
20. Populations de référence 2022
21. Populations de référence 2023
22. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
23. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
24. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
25. GeoNames
26. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
27. [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)
28. YouTube API