# Colroy-la-Roche

> commune in Bas-Rhin, France

**Wikidata**: [Q21212](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21212)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colroy-la-Roche)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/colroy-la-roche

## Summary

Colroy-la-Roche is a commune located in the Bas-Rhin department in the Alsace region of northeastern France, situated in the arrondissement of Molsheim. The small rural municipality sits at coordinates 48.39°N latitude and 7.18°E longitude in the Bruche valley area of the Vosges mountains, historically part of the Unterelsaß (Central Alsace) district within the imperial territory of Alsace-Lorraine during German rule from 1871 to 1918.

## Key Facts

- **Location**: Colroy-la-Roche, Bas-Rhin, Alsace region, France
- **Administrative Division**: Arrondissement of Molsheim, Bas-Rhin department
- **Historical Region**: Unterelsaß (Central Alsace) in Alsace-Lorraine (1871-1918)
- **Coordinates**: 48.390277777778°N, 7.1819444444444°E
- **Country**: France
- **Department**: Vosges (inception: March 4, 1790)
- **Commune Type**: Commune of France (territorial subdivision since 1789)
- **Population**: Approximately 470-500 residents across recorded years
- **Alias**: Kolrein
- **Website**: http://www.colroy-la-roche.valleedelabruche.fr/
- **Sitelink Count**: 46

## FAQs

**What type of administrative region is Colroy-la-Roche?**

Colroy-la-Roche is a commune, which is the smallest territorial subdivision for municipalities in France. It is part of the Bas-Rhin administrative district within the European Collectivity of Alsace, specifically administered through the arrondissement of Molsheim.

**Which department and region is Colroy-la-Roche located in?**

Colroy-la-Roche is situated in the Bas-Rhin department in the Alsace region of northeastern France. The commune falls within the Vosges departmental system, which was established on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution.

**What is the historical context of Colroy-la-Roche's location?**

The commune is historically connected to Unterelsaß (Central Alsace), which was the central district of the imperial territory of Alsace-Lorraine in the German Empire from 1871 to 1918. This historical period followed the Franco-Prussian War and ended after World War I when the territory returned to French control.

**What are the geographic coordinates of Colroy-la-Roche?**

Colroy-la-Roche is located at latitude 48.390277777778°N and longitude 7.1819444444444°E, placing it in the Bruche valley region of the Vosges mountains in northeastern France.

**What is the population of Colroy-la-Roche?**

Colroy-la-Roche is a small rural commune with a population ranging between 470 and 500 residents across recent recorded years, consistent with its status as a small municipality in rural Alsace.

## Why It Matters

Colroy-la-Roche represents the characteristic small rural communes that form the backbone of French territorial organization. As part of the Bas-Rhin department in Alsace, it embodies the region's complex historical identity, having transitioned between French and German control multiple times throughout history. The commune's location in the Bruche valley places it within a region known for its picturesque landscapes, ski resorts, and outdoor recreational activities in the Vosges mountains.

The commune matters as an example of French decentralized administration at the most local level. Communes like Colroy-la-Roche serve as the fundamental units of French governance, providing essential services to residents and maintaining local civic infrastructure. The commune's historical connection to Alsace-Lorraine also reflects the broader geopolitical history of European border regions and the enduring cultural identity of the Alsace region.

## Notable For

- Small rural commune in the traditional French municipality system
- Located in the Bruche valley area of the Vosges mountains
- Historical connection to the German-speaking period of Alsace-Lorraine (1871-1918)
- Part of the arrondissement of Molsheim, one of the administrative divisions of Bas-Rhin
- Represents the rural character of the Vosges department within the Alsace region

## Body

### Geography and Location

Colroy-la-Roche is situated in northeastern France in the Alsace region, specifically within the Bas-Rhin department. The commune is located at coordinates 48.390277777778°N latitude and 7.1819444444444°E longitude, positioning it in the Bruche valley area of the Vosges mountain range. This location places the commune in a rural, mountainous setting typical of the eastern foothills of the Vosges.

### Administrative Structure

Colroy-la-Roche operates as a commune of France, which is the fundamental territorial subdivision for municipalities in the French administrative system. The commune system was established in 1789 during the French Revolution and remains the lowest level of administrative organization in France. The commune is part of the arrondissement of Molsheim, which is one of the administrative arrondissements within the Bas-Rhin department. Bas-Rhin serves as one of the two departments (alongside Haut-Rhin) that comprise the European Collectivity of Alsace.

### Historical Context

The commune's historical significance is tied to the complex territorial history of Alsace-Lorraine. The region of Alsace, including the area around Colroy-la-Roche, was annexed by the German Empire following the Franco-Prussian War in 1871. During this period, the commune fell within the Unterelsaß (Central Alsace) district, which was one of the three bezirke (districts) of the imperial territory of Alsace-Lorraine. This German administration lasted until the end of World War I in 1918, when the territory was returned to France under the Treaty of Versailles. The historical experience of alternating between French and German sovereignty has shaped the cultural and linguistic identity of the Alsace region.

### Departmental Organization

Colroy-la-Roche is part of the Vosges department, which was created on March 4, 1790, during the initial reorganization of France into departments following the French Revolution. The department takes its name from the Vosges mountain range that dominates its landscape. Bas-Rhin, where the commune is administratively located, was also established in 1790 and encompasses the northern portion of the Alsace region, with Strasbourg as its prefecture.

### Demographics and Community

As a small rural commune, Colroy-la-Roche maintains a modest population typically ranging between 470 and 500 residents. This population size is consistent with the many small communes that characterize rural France, where municipalities often have populations under 1,000 inhabitants. The commune serves as a local community center for residents of the surrounding area, providing essential municipal services and maintaining the social fabric of rural Alsatian life.

### Cultural and Regional Identity

The commune participates in the distinctive cultural identity of Alsace, a region known for its blend of French and German cultural influences. The region is famous for its half-timbered houses, vineyards, gastronomy (including wines and beer), and unique Alsatian dialect. Colroy-la-Roche, as part of this regional tapestry, contributes to the preservation of local traditions and community life in the Bruche valley.

### Local Infrastructure

The commune maintains a municipal website at http://www.colroy-la-roche.valleedelabruche.fr/, providing information about local services, community events, and municipal administration. This digital presence reflects the modern governance practices of French communes, even in smaller rural municipalities.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
3. INSEE code
4. [Source](https://lingualibre.org/wiki/Q781154)
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 2019
13. Populations légales 2020
14. Populations légales 2021
15. Populations de référence 2022
16. Populations de référence 2023
17. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
18. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
19. GeoNames
20. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
21. [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)
22. [Code officiel géographique. 2020](https://www.data.gouv.fr/fr/datasets/r/8442dfae-a878-49c6-be4c-20689b1c337c)
23. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)