# Descartes

> commune in Indre-et-Loire, France

**Wikidata**: [Q320299](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q320299)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Descartes,_Indre-et-Loire)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/descartes

## Summary
Descartes is a commune in Indre-et-Loire, France, located in the Centre-Val de Loire region. It is part of the arrondissement of Loches and has a population of approximately 3,300 residents. The commune is named after the philosopher René Descartes, who was born in nearby La Haye-en-Touraine.

## Key Facts
- Located in the Indre-et-Loire department of France.
- Part of the Centre-Val de Loire region.
- Belongs to the arrondissement of Loches.
- Population: 3,300 (as of recent estimates).
- Coordinates: 46.9736°N, 0.6978°E.
- Named after the philosopher René Descartes, who was born in La Haye-en-Touraine.
- Official website: [ville-descartes.fr](https://www.ville-descartes.fr/).
- Sitelink count: 42 (indicating extensive Wikipedia coverage).
- Image of the commune available under public domain license.

## FAQs
**Where is Descartes located?**
Descartes is a commune in the Indre-et-Loire department of France, situated in the Centre-Val de Loire region. It is part of the arrondissement of Loches and is named after the philosopher René Descartes.

**What is the population of Descartes?**
The population of Descartes is approximately 3,300 residents, based on recent estimates.

**Is Descartes named after a famous person?**
Yes, Descartes is named after the philosopher René Descartes, who was born in La Haye-en-Touraine, a nearby town.

**What is the official website of Descartes?**
The official website of Descartes is [ville-descartes.fr](https://www.ville-descartes.fr/).

**What are the coordinates of Descartes?**
The coordinates of Descartes are 46.9736°N, 0.6978°E.

## Why It Matters
Descartes, as a commune, holds historical significance due to its namesake, René Descartes, one of the most influential philosophers and mathematicians of the 17th century. His contributions to Cartesianism, the scientific method, and the Cartesian coordinate system have had a profound impact on modern philosophy, mathematics, and physics. The commune’s name serves as a reminder of Descartes’ legacy, connecting local geography to global intellectual history. Additionally, Descartes’ presence in the Indre-et-Loire region contributes to the cultural and historical richness of the area, making it a notable location for both residents and visitors.

## Notable For
- Named after the philosopher René Descartes, a foundational figure in modern philosophy and mathematics.
- Located in the Centre-Val de Loire region, a historic and culturally significant area of France.
- Part of the arrondissement of Loches, a key administrative division in Indre-et-Loire.
- Home to a small but historically significant population of approximately 3,300 residents.
- Features a public domain image of its town hall, reflecting its architectural and cultural heritage.

## Body
### Geography and Location
Descartes is a commune in the Indre-et-Loire department of France, situated in the Centre-Val de Loire region. It is part of the arrondissement of Loches and has coordinates of 46.9736°N, 0.6978°E. The commune is named after the philosopher René Descartes, who was born in La Haye-en-Touraine, a nearby town. This naming connection highlights the historical and intellectual significance of Descartes in the region.

### Population and Administration
The population of Descartes is approximately 3,300 residents, based on recent estimates. The commune is administered as part of the arrondissement of Loches, which is a key administrative division within Indre-et-Loire. The local government operates under the official website [ville-descartes.fr](https://www.ville-descartes.fr/), providing residents with access to municipal services and information.

### Historical and Cultural Significance
Descartes’ name is a tribute to René Descartes, a 17th-century philosopher and mathematician who revolutionized modern philosophy with his systematic doubt and the Cartesian coordinate system. His works, including *Discourse on the Method* and *La Géométrie*, laid the groundwork for modern rationalism and mathematics. The commune’s connection to Descartes underscores the region’s intellectual heritage and its role in preserving historical and cultural landmarks.

### Image and Representation
The commune features a public domain image of its town hall, captured by Jean-Charles GUILLO. This image is available on Wikimedia Commons and represents the architectural and cultural identity of Descartes. The image license type is public domain, allowing for widespread use and appreciation of the commune’s visual heritage.

### Related Entities
Descartes is connected to several related entities, including:
- **Indre-et-Loire**: The department in which Descartes is located.
- **Centre-Val de Loire**: The region that encompasses Descartes.
- **Arrondissement of Loches**: The administrative division that includes Descartes.
- **René Descartes**: The philosopher after whom the commune is named.
- **La Haye-en-Touraine**: The nearby town where Descartes was born.

These connections highlight the commune’s place within the broader administrative, historical, and cultural landscape of France.

## References

1. [Sandre](https://www.sandre.eaufrance.fr/geo/CoursEau/L---0070)
2. [Source](http://viaf.org/viaf/data/viaf-20170101-links.txt.gz)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. BnF authorities
5. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
6. INSEE code
7. [Source](https://lingualibre.fr/wiki/Q6419)
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. [Source](http://cassini.ehess.fr/cassini/fr/html/fiche.php?select_resultat=16842)
25. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
26. GeoNames
27. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
28. [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)