# Lavoine

> commune in Allier, France

**Wikidata**: [Q846515](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q846515)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavoine)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lavoine

## Summary
Lavoine is a commune located in the Allier department of France, within the canton of Le Mayet-de-Montagne and the arrondissement of Vichy. It is a small rural municipality with a population of around 150–160 residents, situated in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of central France.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Commune (municipality) in France.
- **Location**: Allier department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, France.
- **Coordinates**: 45.977777777778° N, 3.6966666666667° E.
- **Population**: 159 (most recent data), with historical figures ranging from 146 to 333.
- **Administrative Divisions**:
  - **Canton**: Le Mayet-de-Montagne.
  - **Arrondissement**: Vichy.
  - **Department**: Allier (created March 4, 1790).
- **Website**: [http://www.commune-lavoine.fr](http://www.commune-lavoine.fr).
- **Image**: Featured landmark "Rocher-saint-vincent" (public domain, artist: Pulpinus).
- **Wikidata Sitelinks**: 44 references across languages.
- **Wikipedia Title**: "Lavoine."

## FAQs
**Where is Lavoine located?**
Lavoine is a commune in the Allier department of central France, part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It lies within the canton of Le Mayet-de-Montagne and the arrondissement of Vichy.

**What is the population of Lavoine?**
The population of Lavoine is approximately 159 residents, though historical records show fluctuations between 146 and 333 inhabitants over time.

**What administrative divisions is Lavoine part of?**
Lavoine is part of the Allier department (created in 1790), the canton of Le Mayet-de-Montagne, and the arrondissement of Vichy. It is governed as a commune, the smallest administrative division in France.

**What notable landmarks or images are associated with Lavoine?**
The commune is represented by the "Rocher-saint-vincent," a rock formation featured in a public domain image by artist Pulpinus. This image is commonly used to depict the area.

**How can I find more information about Lavoine?**
Official information can be found on the commune’s website: [http://www.commune-lavoine.fr](http://www.commune-lavoine.fr). Additional details are available on its Wikidata and Wikipedia pages.

## Why It Matters
Lavoine represents the rural and administrative fabric of France, embodying the country’s decentralized governance through its status as a commune. As part of the Allier department, it contributes to the cultural and geographical diversity of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Small municipalities like Lavoine are essential to France’s local identity, preserving traditions, landscapes, and community structures that define the nation beyond its urban centers. Its inclusion in administrative divisions such as the canton of Le Mayet-de-Montagne and the arrondissement of Vichy highlights the interconnectedness of France’s territorial organization.

## Notable For
- **Rural Municipality**: One of thousands of communes that form the backbone of France’s local governance.
- **Historical Population Trends**: Population data spanning over a century, reflecting rural demographic changes.
- **Geographical Landmark**: The "Rocher-saint-vincent," a distinctive natural feature associated with the commune.
- **Administrative Longevity**: Part of the Allier department, established in 1790 during the French Revolution.
- **Digital Presence**: Maintains an official website and is documented in 44 Wikidata sitelinks, ensuring global accessibility.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Lavoine is situated in the Allier department of central France, within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Its coordinates are 45.977777777778° N latitude and 3.6966666666667° E longitude, placing it in a rural area characterized by natural landscapes. The commune is part of the canton of Le Mayet-de-Montagne and the arrondissement of Vichy, both of which are administrative divisions within Allier.

### Administrative Structure
As a commune, Lavoine is the smallest administrative unit in France, responsible for local governance, public services, and community management. It falls under the jurisdiction of:
- **Department**: Allier (created on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution).
- **Canton**: Le Mayet-de-Montagne (a grouping of communes for electoral and administrative purposes).
- **Arrondissement**: Vichy (a larger administrative division overseeing multiple cantons).

This structure reflects France’s decentralized system, where communes like Lavoine maintain autonomy while contributing to broader regional governance.

### Demographics
Lavoine’s population has varied over time, with recorded figures including:
- **Recent**: 159 inhabitants.
- **Historical High**: 333 inhabitants.
- **Historical Low**: 146 inhabitants.

These fluctuations are typical of rural French communes, influenced by factors such as migration, economic changes, and urbanization. The commune’s small size underscores its role as a tight-knit rural community.

### Landmarks and Imagery
The commune is visually represented by the "Rocher-saint-vincent," a notable rock formation. This landmark is depicted in a public domain image by artist Pulpinus, available on Wikimedia Commons. Such natural features often serve as symbols of local identity and tourism potential in rural areas.

### Digital and Informational Resources
Lavoine maintains an official website ([http://www.commune-lavoine.fr](http://www.commune-lavoine.fr)), providing residents and visitors with information on local services, events, and governance. The commune is also well-documented in digital knowledge bases, with 44 sitelinks on Wikidata and a dedicated Wikipedia page titled "Lavoine."

### Historical Context
The Allier department, to which Lavoine belongs, was established on March 4, 1790, as part of the administrative reforms during the French Revolution. This period marked the transition from feudal provinces to a centralized system of departments, cantons, and communes, which remains the foundation of French local governance today. Lavoine’s existence as a commune reflects this historical legacy, embodying the principles of local self-governance and administrative efficiency.

### Related Administrative Entities
- **Canton of Le Mayet-de-Montagne**: A territorial subdivision grouping Lavoine with neighboring communes for electoral and administrative coordination.
- **Arrondissement of Vichy**: A larger administrative division within Allier, overseeing multiple cantons, including Le Mayet-de-Montagne.
- **Allier Department**: One of France’s original 83 departments, created in 1790, encompassing a mix of rural and urban areas in central France.

### Significance in French Governance
Communes like Lavoine are critical to France’s administrative framework, ensuring that even the smallest communities have representation and autonomy. They handle local matters such as land use, schools, and public services, while higher-level divisions (cantons, arrondissements, departments) manage broader regional policies. This multi-tiered system allows for efficient governance tailored to both local and national needs.

### Cultural and Community Role
As a rural commune, Lavoine contributes to the preservation of France’s cultural heritage, including traditional agriculture, local dialects, and historical landmarks. Its small population fosters a strong sense of community, where residents often participate directly in local decision-making and cultural events. The "Rocher-saint-vincent" and other natural sites may also attract visitors interested in the region’s geography and history.

### Future Prospects
Like many rural communes, Lavoine faces challenges such as population decline and economic sustainability. However, its administrative structure and digital presence provide tools for adaptation, whether through tourism promotion, local initiatives, or integration into broader regional development plans. The commune’s continued existence underscores the resilience of France’s rural communities in the face of modernization.

## References

1. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
2. INSEE code
3. répertoire géographique des communes
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Annuaire de service-public.fr
6. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
7. Populations légales 2016
8. Populations légales 2017
9. Populations légales 2018
10. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
11. Populations légales 2019
12. Populations légales 2020
13. Populations légales 2021
14. Populations de référence 2022
15. Populations de référence 2023
16. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
17. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
18. GeoNames
19. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
20. [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)
21. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)