# Léaz

> commune in Ain, France

**Wikidata**: [Q176415](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q176415)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Léaz)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/l-az

## Summary
Léaz is a commune located in the Ain department of France, situated in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It is a small municipality with a population that has fluctuated between 405 and 912 residents over the years, known for its proximity to notable landmarks such as Fort l'Écluse and the Grand Crêt d'Eau mountain range.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Léaz is a commune in the Ain department, part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in eastern France.
- **Population**: Historical population figures include 650, 700, 734, 739, 758, 405, 480, 482, 461, 481, 502, 577, 719, 778, 796, 817, 887, and 912 residents.
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 46.098055555556, Longitude 5.8866666666667.
- **Administrative Division**: Part of the arrondissement of Gex within the Ain department.
- **Nearby Landmarks**: Close to Fort l'Écluse (a historic military fort) and the Grand Crêt d'Eau mountain group.
- **Website**: Official commune website at [https://www.leaz.fr/](https://www.leaz.fr/).
- **Inception of Ain Department**: The Ain department was established on March 4, 1790.
- **Wikidata Description**: Classified as a "commune in Ain, France."

## FAQs
**Where is Léaz located?**
Léaz is situated in the Ain department of France, within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It lies near the Swiss border and is part of the arrondissement of Gex.

**What is the population of Léaz?**
The population of Léaz has varied significantly, with recorded figures ranging from 405 to 912 residents across different years. Recent estimates suggest a population around 700–900.

**What are some notable landmarks near Léaz?**
Léaz is near Fort l'Écluse, a historic military fort, and the Grand Crêt d'Eau, a mountain range in the southern French Jura. These landmarks contribute to the area's historical and natural significance.

**When was the Ain department created?**
The Ain department, where Léaz is located, was established on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution as part of the administrative reorganization of France.

**What is the official website of Léaz?**
The official website for the commune of Léaz is [https://www.leaz.fr/](https://www.leaz.fr/), providing information on local governance, services, and community updates.

## Why It Matters
Léaz represents a typical French rural commune, embodying the administrative and cultural structure of local governance in France. Its proximity to historical sites like Fort l'Écluse and natural landmarks such as the Grand Crêt d'Eau makes it a point of interest for regional history and outdoor activities. As part of the Ain department, Léaz contributes to the broader economic and social fabric of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, reflecting the diversity of France's territorial organization.

## Notable For
- **Historical Significance**: Located near Fort l'Écluse, a site with military importance dating back centuries.
- **Natural Landscape**: Proximity to the Grand Crêt d'Eau mountain range, offering scenic views and outdoor recreation opportunities.
- **Population Dynamics**: Demonstrates the demographic shifts typical of rural French communes, with population figures fluctuating over time.
- **Administrative Role**: Serves as a functional municipality within the arrondissement of Gex, contributing to local governance and community services.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Léaz is a commune in the Ain department, situated in the eastern part of France within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It is geographically positioned at coordinates 46.098055555556 (latitude) and 5.8866666666667 (longitude). The commune is part of the arrondissement of Gex, which is known for its proximity to the Swiss border and the Jura Mountains.

### Demographics
The population of Léaz has experienced fluctuations, with recorded figures including 650, 700, 734, 739, 758, 405, 480, 482, 461, 481, 502, 577, 719, 778, 796, 817, 887, and 912 residents. These variations reflect broader trends in rural French communes, influenced by factors such as economic opportunities, migration, and local development policies.

### Administrative Structure
Léaz is governed as a commune, the smallest administrative division in France, with its own local council and mayor. It falls under the jurisdiction of the Ain department, which was created on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution. The commune is also part of the arrondissement of Gex, an intermediate administrative level that oversees multiple communes.

### Nearby Landmarks
- **Fort l'Écluse**: A historic military fort located near Léaz, known for its strategic importance in past conflicts. The fort is a notable tourist attraction and a symbol of the region's military history.
- **Grand Crêt d'Eau**: A mountain range at the southern end of the French Jura, offering hiking trails and panoramic views. This natural landmark enhances the appeal of Léaz for outdoor enthusiasts.

### Digital Presence
The commune maintains an official website at [https://www.leaz.fr/](https://www.leaz.fr/), which serves as a resource for residents and visitors, providing information on local events, administrative services, and community news.

### Historical Context
The Ain department, where Léaz is located, was established in 1790 as part of France's administrative reorganization during the Revolution. This historical context underscores Léaz's role within a broader framework of French governance and regional identity.

### Cultural and Economic Role
As a rural commune, Léaz contributes to the cultural and economic life of the Ain department. Its small size and proximity to natural and historical sites make it a representative example of France's diverse territorial organization, balancing local governance with regional and national administrative structures.

## References

1. [Sandre](https://www.sandre.eaufrance.fr/geo/CoursEau/V---0000)
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. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
20. GeoNames
21. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
22. [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)
23. [Code officiel géographique. 2020](https://www.data.gouv.fr/fr/datasets/r/8442dfae-a878-49c6-be4c-20689b1c337c)
24. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)