# Fourtou > commune in Aude, France **Wikidata**: [Q290964](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q290964) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourtou) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/fourtou ## Summary Fourtou is a commune located in the Aude department of southern France, situated in the historical region of Languedoc-Roussillon (now part of Occitanie). The commune sits at coordinates 42.9078° N latitude and 2.4297° E longitude in the southwestern part of the department, within the arrondissement of Limoux. As a commune of France, Fourtou operates as the most local level of territorial administration in the French administrative system. ## Key Facts - **Location**: Fourtou is located in the Aude department (inception: March 4, 1790) in the South West France region - **Administrative Division**: Part of the arrondissement of Limoux - **Former Canton**: Couiza (until March 2015) - **Coordinates**: Latitude 42.907777777778° N, Longitude 2.4297222222222° E - **Country**: France - **Territorial Type**: Commune of France (inception: 1789) - **Wikipedia Title**: Fourtou - **Sitelink Count**: 44 - **Population**: Historical census data shows values ranging from 42 to 79 (various years) ## FAQs **What region and department is Fourtou located in?** Fourtou is located in the Aude department of southern France, which is part of the Occitanie region (historically Languedoc-Roussillon). The department was created on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution. **What type of administrative area is Fourtou?** Fourtou is classified as a commune, which is the lowest level of territorial administration in France. The commune system was established in 1789 following the French Revolution, replacing the previous system of parishes and municipalities. **What was Fourtou's administrative affiliation before 2015?** Prior to the French cantonal reorganization in March 2015, Fourtou was part of the canton of Couiza. Following the reorganization, the commune became part of a different administrative structure within the arrondissement of Limoux. **What are Fourtou's geographical coordinates?** Fourtou is situated at latitude 42.907777777778° North and longitude 2.4297222222222° East, placing it in the southwestern portion of the Aude department near the town of Limoux. **How is Fourtou connected to the French administrative hierarchy?** Fourtou sits within a four-tier administrative structure: it is a commune (lowest level), part of the arrondissement of Limoux (intermediate level), within the department of Aude (second-level administrative division), and under the national government of France (country level). ## Why It Matters Fourtou represents the foundational unit of local governance in the French administrative system. As one of the approximately 35,000 communes in France, it embodies the decentralized structure of French governance that allows for local administration while maintaining national coherence. The commune system, established in 1789, was revolutionary in its time, replacing feudal divisions with a uniform territorial structure based on rational, administrative principles rather than historical privileges or noble territories. The commune of Fourtou contributes to understanding the demographic and territorial organization of rural France, particularly in the southern regions. The Aude department, where Fourtou is located, is known for its Mediterranean climate, wine production, and historical significance dating back to Roman times and beyond. The presence of communes like Fourtou helps maintain the cultural and administrative fabric of rural France, preserving local identities while integrating into broader regional and national structures. The historical cantonal reorganization of 2015, which affected Fourtou's affiliation with the canton of Couiza, illustrates the ongoing adaptation of French administrative structures to contemporary governance needs, demonstrating how local administrative boundaries evolve to reflect population changes, administrative efficiency, and regional planning requirements. ## Notable For - **Administrative History**: Part of the historic canton of Couiza until the major cantonal reorganization of March 2015 - **Geographic Position**: Located in the southern France region known for wine production, Cathar history, and Mediterranean landscapes - **Part of Occitanie**: Situated in one of France's newest and largest regions, formed in 2016 from the merger of Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées - **Commune Status**: Represents the French commune system, established in 1789, which forms the backbone of local administration in France ## Body ### Geography and Location Fourtou is positioned in the southern part of France, specifically in the Aude department, which lies within the Occitanie region. The commune's coordinates of 42.907777777778° N latitude and 2.4297222222222° E longitude place it in the southwestern portion of the department, characterized by rolling hills, vineyards, and the proximity to the Mediterranean climate zone. The area is part of the broader geographical landscape of southern France, known for its agricultural productivity, historical sites, and natural beauty. The Aude department, created on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution, encompasses diverse terrain ranging from the Mediterranean coastline to the mountainous regions of the Pyrenees. The department takes its name from the Aude River, which flows through the region. Fourtou's location within this department places it in an area with rich historical significance, including the legacy of the Cathar faith and various medieval settlements. ### Administrative Structure Fourtou operates as a commune, which is the smallest territorial collective in France. The commune system was established in 1789, following the French Revolution, when the new government replaced the old parishes and municipalities with a uniform system of communes. This reform aimed to create rational, standardized administrative divisions based on territory rather than historical or feudal arrangements. As a commune, Fourtou serves as a local administrative unit with its own municipal government, though the specific details of local governance would require additional sources to document fully. The commune is part of the arrondissement of Limoux, which serves as an intermediate administrative level between the commune and the department. The arrondissement of Limoux is one of several arrondissements in the Aude department and serves as a administrative framework for local services, elections, and governmental functions. Prior to March 2015, Fourtou was part of the canton of Couiza. The French cantonal system underwent significant reorganization in 2015, with cantonal boundaries redrawn to reflect population changes and improve administrative efficiency. Following this reorganization, Fourtou's cantonal affiliation changed, as the canton of Couiza was either modified or dissolved as part of the broader administrative reform. ### Historical Context The commune of Fourtou exists within a historical context that stretches back centuries. The Aude department has been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of Roman settlement in the region. The area saw various historical developments through the medieval period, including the Cathar Crusade in the 13th century, which had significant impact on the region and its fortifications. The establishment of the commune as an administrative unit in 1789 marked a fundamental transformation in French territorial organization. Before this, the territory that now comprises Fourtou would have been part of various feudal holdings, religious parishes, or other pre-revolutionary administrative divisions. The revolutionary reforms created a clean break with the past, establishing a system of rational administration that persists to the present day. The department of Aude, created in 1790, was part of the revolutionary effort to divide France into uniform administrative units called departments, named primarily after geographical features like rivers and mountains. This system replaced the previous patchwork of provinces, which had often developed organically over centuries and varied greatly in size, organization, and legal status. ### Population and Demographics The population data for Fourtou shows variation across different census years, with recorded values of 66.0, 70.0, 72.0, 73.0, 76.0, 42.0, 42.0, 46.0, 58.0, 53.0, 48.0, 61.0, 78.0, 79.0, 79.0, 78.0, and 77.0. These figures represent population counts from various census years, demonstrating the demographic fluctuations that many rural French communes experience. The population range of 42 to 79 residents indicates that Fourtou is a small rural commune, typical of many villages in the southern French interior. Rural depopulation has been a significant phenomenon in France since the mid-20th century, as younger generations have moved to urban areas for education and employment opportunities. However, some rural communes have experienced renewal as people seek quieter lifestyles or remote work opportunities, which can explain population fluctuations. The specific population figures would correspond to French census data, which has been conducted regularly since the establishment of the commune system. The variations in population reflect broader socioeconomic trends affecting rural France, including changes in agricultural employment, the consolidation of services in larger towns, and the evolution of transportation networks. ### Regional Context Fourtou is situated in the broader context of the Aude department, which is part of the Occitanie region. This region was created in 2016 through the merger of Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées, making it the largest region in metropolitan France by area. The region is known for its diverse geography, ranging from Mediterranean coastline to mountain environments, and its significant agricultural production including wine, olives, and fruits. The Aude department specifically is recognized for its wine production, with numerous vineyards throughout the territory. The department also contains historical sites related to the Cathar faith, including fortified villages (castres) that were significant during the Albigensian Crusade. The region attracts tourists interested in history, wine, and the Mediterranean lifestyle. The arrondissement of Limoux, which includes Fourtou, is an administrative division that organizes local services and represents the intermediate level between the commune and the department. Limoux itself is a town known for its sparkling wine (Blanquette de Limoux) and its carnival, one of the oldest in France. ### Relationship to National Structures As a French commune, Fourtou is integrated into the national administrative hierarchy of France. The country operates as a unitary state with significant decentralization, allowing local communes substantial autonomy in managing local affairs while remaining part of the national structure. France is a founding member of the European Union and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, and this national context provides the framework within which communes like Fourtou operate. The French administrative system is characterized by its uniformity, with all communes following the same basic legal and administrative framework regardless of size or location. This uniformity ensures consistent governance across the country while allowing for local variations in practice. Communes are governed by municipal councils and mayors, who handle local matters such as urban planning, local taxes, and community services. Fourtou's position within the French system reflects the country's commitment to decentralized administration while maintaining national cohesion. The commune benefits from the broader infrastructure, legal framework, and public services provided by the French state while maintaining local identity and self-governance within the parameters established by national law. ## References 1. BnF authorities 2. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018 3. INSEE code 4. répertoire géographique des communes 5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 6. Annuaire de service-public.fr 7. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017 8. Populations légales 2016 9. Populations légales 2017 10. Populations légales 2018 11. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602) 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)