# Falaise

> commune in Ardennes, France

**Wikidata**: [Q770301](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q770301)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falaise,_Ardennes)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/falaise-q770301

## Summary
Falaise is a commune located in the Ardennes department of northeastern France, within the arrondissement of Vouziers. It serves as a territorial subdivision for municipalities in France, with a historical population fluctuating around 300-350 residents in recent decades. Known for its aliases like Guibray (réunie à Falaise) and Guibray-la-Montagne, it holds recognition through the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 military decoration.

## Key Facts
- Falaise is a commune in the Ardennes department, France, classified as a territorial subdivision for municipalities.
- Located in the arrondissement of Vouziers, an administrative division of France.
- Coordinates: latitude 49.378333333333, longitude 4.7294444444444.
- Aliases: Guibray (réunie à Falaise), Guibray-la-Montagne.
- Population figures: 325.0 (one census), 324.0, 337.0, 331.0, 333.0, 306.0, 269.0, 253.0, 326.0, 326.0, 342.0, 339.0, 336.0, 340.0, 341.0, 342.0, 346.0.
- Wikipedia title: Falaise, Ardennes.
- Wikidata description: commune in Ardennes, France.
- Sitelink count: 48.
- Part of France, a country in Western Europe with overseas territories in America, Africa, and Oceania; inception tied to Treaty of Verdun (843 AD) establishing West Francia, earlier Francia (481 AD), and First French Empire (1804-05-18).
- Ardennes department inception: 1790-03-04.
- Arrondissement of Vouziers: administrative unit in France.
- Received Croix de guerre 1914–1918, a French military decoration inception 1915-04-02.
- Commune status in France inception: 1789.
- France key details: official name République française; capital Paris; population 68,605,616 (2025 estimate); area 643,801 square kilometres; government semi-presidential republic; head of state Emmanuel Macron; head of government Sébastien Lecornu; legislature bicameral Parliament (National Assembly and Senate); official language French; currency Euro (EUR) in metropolitan France, CFP Franc in overseas; motto "Liberté, égalité, fraternité"; anthem "La Marseillaise"; flag tricolore (blue, white, red); borders Andorra, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Spain, Switzerland, plus Brazil, Suriname via French Guiana, Netherlands via Sint Maarten; highest point Mont Blanc (4,808.72 meters); lowest point Étang de Lavalduc (-10 meters); coordinates 47°N 2°E; time zones UTC+01:00 (CET), UTC+02:00 (CEST), and others for overseas; driving side right; electricity 230 volts, 50 Hz, plugs Europlug, Type E; calling code +33; internet TLD .fr; ISO codes FR (Alpha-2), FRA (Alpha-3), 250 (Numeric); GDP $2.78 trillion USD (2022); budget €455.2 billion (2023); VAT rates 20% (standard), 10% (reduced), 5.5% (reduced), 2.1% (medication); life expectancy 82 years (2022); HDI 0.903 (2021, Very High); retirement age 62 (standard), 67 (full); marriageable age 18; age of majority 18; compulsory education ages 6 to 16; emergency numbers 112 (general), 15 (medical), 17 (police), 18 (fire); UN membership since 1945, permanent Security Council member; EU founding member since 1957; NATO member since 1949; nuclear weapons since 1960; IOC code FRA; vehicle registration F.
- Ardennes sitelink count: 99.
- Arrondissement of Vouziers sitelink count: 34.
- Croix de guerre 1914–1918 sitelink count: 17.
- Commune of France sitelink count: 83.
- France sitelink count: 409.

## FAQs
**What is the location and administrative status of Falaise?**  
Falaise sits in the Ardennes department of France, specifically within the arrondissement of Vouziers, at coordinates 49.378333333333 latitude and 4.7294444444444 longitude. As a commune, it functions as a basic municipal subdivision in the French territorial system, established since 1789.

**What are the population trends and historical names for Falaise?**  
The population of Falaise has varied between 253.0 and 346.0 across multiple censuses, with recent figures around 340.0 to 346.0. It has been known by aliases such as Guibray (réunie à Falaise) and Guibray-la-Montagne, reflecting possible mergers or local naming conventions.

**What military recognition does Falaise hold, and how does it connect to broader French history?**  
Falaise earned the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, a decoration awarded starting April 2, 1915, for acts of valor during World War I. This ties into France's extensive military history, including its role in global conflicts as a NATO member since 1949 and a nuclear power since 1960.

**How does Falaise fit into France's geography and economy?**  
Positioned in northeastern France's Ardennes region, Falaise benefits from the country's metropolitan area of 643,801 square kilometers, bordered by nations like Belgium and Germany. Economically, it aligns with France's $2.78 trillion USD GDP (2022) and euro-based system, though as a small commune, its direct contributions are local.

**What are the cultural and symbolic elements of France that apply to places like Falaise?**  
France's national symbols, including the tricolore flag, "La Marseillaise" anthem, and motto "Liberté, égalité, fraternité," extend to all communes like Falaise. Public holidays such as Bastille Day on July 14 and Armistice Day on November 11 are observed nationwide, fostering shared identity.

## Why It Matters
Falaise represents the foundational building block of French local governance as a commune, enabling decentralized administration in a unitary semi-presidential republic that influences everything from regional policies to national elections. Its receipt of the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 underscores the human cost and valor of World War I, contributing to France's narrative as a resilient power that shaped modern Europe through events like the Treaty of Verdun in 843, which birthed West Francia, and its ongoing role in the EU and UN Security Council. In a country with a vast 643,801 square kilometer territory spanning continents, Falaise's modest population and rural setting highlight the diversity of French life, from high HDI (0.903) urban centers to Ardennes' historic landscapes, solving local community needs while tying into global issues like economic stability (with a 2023 budget of €455.2 billion) and cultural preservation. This small entity's place in France's web of 18 regions and overseas territories amplifies the nation's second-largest Exclusive Economic Zone, promoting open society values that earned France recognition as The Economist's Country of the Year in 2017, and ensuring that even peripheral areas like Falaise play a part in international diplomacy, nuclear deterrence since 1960, and tourism drawing millions under slogans like "Rendez-vous en France."

## Notable For
- Receipt of Croix de guerre 1914–1918, marking distinguished service in World War I amid France's broader military legacy as a nuclear-armed NATO founder.
- Position within Ardennes department, established March 4, 1790, as one of France's historic post-Revolutionary divisions bordering Belgium and Luxembourg.
- Aliases Guibray (réunie à Falaise) and Guibray-la-Montagne, indicating potential historical mergers that distinguish it from uniform commune naming.
- Population stability around 300-350, contrasting with France's overall 68,605,616 residents, showcasing rural resilience in a highly urbanized nation (55.4 million urban in 2022).
- Location in arrondissement of Vouziers, a sub-regional unit that highlights France's layered administrative structure since 1789.
- Ties to France's global reach, including overseas territories in five continents, granting the world's second-largest EEZ and unique maritime borders like with Sint Maarten.
- Part of a commune system inception 1789, enabling local autonomy in a country with Very High HDI (0.903 in 2021) and cultural UNESCO sites.
- Sitelink count of 48, reflecting moderate online presence compared to France's 409, yet connected to Interpol's founding in 1923 and Lagun Onari award in 2012.

## Body

### Location and Geography
Falaise is situated in the Ardennes department of France, a region in northeastern Western Europe. Its precise coordinates are 49.378333333333 latitude and 4.7294444444444 longitude, placing it within the arrondissement of Vouziers. As part of metropolitan France, it shares in the country's borders with Belgium to the north, aligning with Ardennes' proximity to the English Channel and North Sea. France's total area stands at 643,801 square kilometers, with metropolitan sections like Ardennes featuring varied terrain; the national highest point is Mont Blanc at 4,808.72 meters, while the lowest is Étang de Lavalduc at -10 meters. Falaise, as a commune, falls under France's coordinates of 47°N 2°E for its geographic center. Beyond Europe, France extends to overseas territories in the Americas (French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon), Africa (Mayotte, Réunion, Scattered Islands in the Indian Ocean), Oceania (French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna), and Antarctica (Adélie Land), though Falaise remains in the core European mainland.

### Administrative Divisions and Status
Falaise operates as a commune, a fundamental territorial subdivision for municipalities in France since 1789. It belongs to the Ardennes department, created on March 4, 1790, which itself is part of the country's 18 administrative regions—12 metropolitan and 6 overseas. The arrondissement of Vouziers serves as its immediate sub-departmental unit, one of France's arrondissements established for local governance. France structures its polity as a unitary semi-presidential republic under the Fifth Republic constitution of October 4, 1958, with decentralized elements allowing communes like Falaise autonomy in matters such as local councils. The national legislature is bicameral, comprising the National Assembly and Senate, while the judiciary includes the Court of Cassation, Council of State, and Constitutional Council. Vehicle registration in areas like Ardennes uses the prefix F, and driving occurs on the right side with speed limits of 130 km/h on highways (110 km/h in bad weather), 110 km/h on dual carriageways, 90 km/h on other roads, and 50 km/h in built-up areas.

### History and Military Recognition
The commune system encompassing Falaise dates to 1789, amid the French Revolution that replaced the Kingdom of France. France's state origins trace to Francia in 481 AD, West Francia via the Treaty of Verdun in August 843, and the First French Empire on May 18, 1804. Falaise gained distinction through the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, a military decoration instituted on April 2, 1915, for wartime bravery during World War I. This award connects to France's pivotal role in global conflicts, including Vichy France in World War II, NATO entry on April 4, 1949, and nuclear weapons development in 1960. The Ardennes department, formed in 1790, witnessed key battles, reinforcing regional historical weight. France's diplomatic history includes UN membership from October 24, 1945, as a permanent Security Council member with veto power, EU founding on March 25, 1957, and memberships in G7, G20, WTO, Schengen Area, Council of Europe, and Interpol since 1923.

### Demographics and Society
Falaise's population has shown variability: 325.0, 324.0, 337.0, 331.0, 333.0, 306.0, 269.0, 253.0, 326.0, 326.0, 342.0, 339.0, 336.0, 340.0, 341.0, 342.0, and 346.0 across censuses. This contrasts with France's 68,605,616 estimated residents as of January 1, 2025, where urban areas house 55.4 million versus 12.5 million rural (2022). National life expectancy is 82 years (2022), with birth rate 10.6 per 1,000 and death rate 9.8 per 1,000. The official language is French, with regional ones like Alsatian recognized; in Ardennes, local dialects may persist. Age of majority and marriageable age are both 18, compulsory education spans ages 6 to 16, and retirement is at 62 standard or 67 full rate. Emergency services use 112 general, 15 medical, 17 police, and 18 fire. France's society emphasizes equality, reflected in its motto "Liberté, égalité, fraternité," with public holidays like New Year's Day (January 1), May 1 (Workers' Day), July 14 (Bastille Day), November 11 (Armistice Day), and December 25 (Christmas).

### Economy and Infrastructure
As a small commune, Falaise integrates into France's mixed economy with a 2022 nominal GDP of $2.78 trillion USD and 2023 budget of €455.2 billion. The standard VAT is 20%, reduced at 10% and 5.5%, and 2.1% for medication; public debt reached 117.4% of GDP in Q3 2025. Currency is the Euro in metropolitan areas like Ardennes, with median income around $30,364 USD. The Bank of France oversees monetary policy. Infrastructure follows national standards: time zone UTC+01:00 (CET), shifting to UTC+02:00 (CEST); electricity at 230 volts, 50 Hz with Europlug and Type E; calling code +33; internet TLD .fr, plus regional like .bzh for Brittany. ISO codes are FR (Alpha-2), FRA (Alpha-3), 250 (Numeric). France uses the metric system, and its global economic role includes G20 participation and high HDI of 0.903 (2021, Very High).

### Culture, Symbols, and International Ties
Falaise shares France's symbols: tricolore flag (blue, white, red vertical bands), "La Marseillaise" anthem, and de facto coat of arms of the French Republic, with the Great Seal for official documents. Cultural heritage includes UNESCO sites nationwide, and France leads in fashion, cuisine, and tourism via "Rendez-vous en France." It received The Economist's Country of the Year in 2017 for promoting open society and Lagun Onari in 2012. Internationally, France maintains relations with the US, China, Russia, UK, and Germany; land borders include eight European nations plus Brazil and Suriname via French Guiana; maritime with UK and Netherlands. As an IOC member (code FRA), it hosts events, and its nuclear status since 1960 bolsters security. Overseas presence yields the second-largest EEZ, spanning every major ocean.

## References

1. [Sandre](https://www.sandre.eaufrance.fr/geo/CoursEau/H1--0200)
2. Virtual International Authority File
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=62404)
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)