# Lodève

> commune in Hérault, Occitania, France

**Wikidata**: [Q198650](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q198650)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lodève)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lodeve

## Summary
Lodève is a commune in the Hérault department of southern France, located in the Occitania region. It is classified as a large human settlement and serves as the capital of both the canton of Lodève and the arrondissement of Lodève. Founded in 1789, Lodève has a rich historical and cultural heritage, including the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lodève and the Lodève Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Fulcran. The town is known for its tapestry manufacturing history, particularly the Savonnerie manufactory, and has a population of approximately 7,251 residents as of 2023.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Lodève is a commune of France, a type of territorial subdivision for municipalities, established in 1789.
- **Geographic Location**: Situated in the Hérault department and the Occitania region of France.
- **Administrative Roles**: Serves as the capital of the canton of Lodève (since March 22, 2015) and the arrondissement of Lodève.
- **Historical Significance**: Home to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lodève and the Lodève Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Fulcran.
- **Economic History**: Known for its tapestry manufacturing, particularly the Savonnerie manufactory, which was active as early as 1650.
- **Population**: As of 2023, Lodève has a population of 7,251 residents, with historical census data showing fluctuations over the years.
- **Geographic Coordinates**: Located at latitude 43.7317° N and longitude 3.3194° E.
- **Elevation**: The town has an average elevation of 165 meters above sea level, with a highest point of 700 meters and a lowest point of 117 meters.
- **Postal Code**: The official postal code for Lodève is 34700.
- **Time Zone**: Operates on UTC+01:00 during standard time and UTC+02:00 during daylight saving time.
- **Demonym**: Residents of Lodève are referred to as Lodévois.
- **Aliases**: Lodève is also known by the names Lodeva, Luteva, and ロデーブ.
- **Website**: The official website of Lodève is [lodeve.fr](https://lodeve.fr/), available in French.
- **Contact Information**: The town hall can be reached at +33-4-11-95-03-90 or via email at [mailto:mairie@lodeve.com](mailto:mairie@lodeve.com).
- **Archival Records**: The town's archives are maintained by the Departmental archives of Hérault.
- **Cultural Identifiers**: Lodève is referenced in various cultural and historical sources, including the Jewish Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron, the Encyclopædia Britannica 11th edition, and Pauly–Wissowa.

## FAQs
- **What is the population of Lodève?**
  Lodève has a population of 7,251 residents as of 2023, with historical census data showing variations from 6,900 in 1999 to 8,378 in 1982.

- **What is the administrative status of Lodève?**
  Lodève serves as the capital of both the canton of Lodève (since March 22, 2015) and the arrondissement of Lodève, making it a key administrative center in the region.

- **What historical landmarks are in Lodève?**
  Lodève is home to the Lodève Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Fulcran, and was once the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lodève, reflecting its rich religious and cultural heritage.

- **What is the economic history of Lodève?**
  Lodève has a history of tapestry manufacturing, particularly the Savonnerie manufactory, which was active as early as 1650, contributing to its economic development.

- **What are the geographic coordinates of Lodève?**
  Lodève is located at latitude 43.7317° N and longitude 3.3194° E, with an average elevation of 165 meters above sea level.

- **What is the postal code for Lodève?**
  The official postal code for Lodève is 34700, used for mail and administrative purposes.

- **What time zone does Lodève observe?**
  Lodève operates on UTC+01:00 during standard time and UTC+02:00 during daylight saving time, aligning with French time standards.

- **What are the aliases for Lodève?**
  Lodève is also known by the names Lodeva, Luteva, and ロデーブ, reflecting its historical and linguistic variations.

## Why It Matters
Lodève plays a significant role in the cultural and administrative landscape of southern France, particularly within the Occitania region. As the capital of both the canton of Lodève and the arrondissement of Lodève, it serves as a hub for local governance and economic activity. The town's historical significance, marked by the Lodève Cathedral and its association with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lodève, underscores its importance in religious and cultural heritage. Additionally, Lodève's history in tapestry manufacturing, particularly the Savonnerie manufactory, highlights its contribution to the region's economic and artistic legacy. The town's administrative and cultural roles make it a notable entity in the Hérault department and beyond.

## Notable For
- **Administrative Capital**: Lodève serves as the capital of both the canton of Lodève and the arrondissement of Lodève, reinforcing its role as a key administrative center.
- **Historical Landmarks**: The Lodève Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Fulcran, and its former status as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lodève, highlight its rich religious and cultural heritage.
- **Economic History**: Lodève's association with the Savonnerie manufactory, active since 1650, reflects its historical significance in tapestry manufacturing.
- **Cultural References**: Lodève is referenced in various historical and cultural sources, including the Jewish Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron, the Encyclopædia Britannica 11th edition, and Pauly–Wissowa, indicating its broader cultural impact.
- **Geographic Significance**: Located at latitude 43.7317° N and longitude 3.3194° E, with an average elevation of 165 meters, Lodève's geographic coordinates and elevation contribute to its unique environmental and spatial context.

## Body
### Administrative and Geographic Context
Lodève is a commune in the Hérault department of southern France, located within the Occitania region. It serves as the capital of both the canton of Lodève (since March 22, 2015) and the arrondissement of Lodève, making it a significant administrative center. The town is situated at latitude 43.7317° N and longitude 3.3194° E, with an average elevation of 165 meters above sea level, featuring a highest point of 700 meters and a lowest point of 117 meters. Lodève's geographic coordinates and elevation contribute to its unique environmental and spatial context, influencing its local climate and landscape.

### Historical and Cultural Heritage
Lodève has a rich historical and cultural heritage, including the Lodève Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Fulcran, and its former status as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lodève. The town's historical significance is reflected in its references in various cultural and historical sources, such as the Jewish Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron, the Encyclopædia Britannica 11th edition, and Pauly–Wissowa. These references highlight Lodève's broader cultural impact and its role in the religious and artistic history of the region.

### Economic History and Industry
Lodève has a history of tapestry manufacturing, particularly the Savonnerie manufactory, which was active as early as 1650. This economic activity contributed to the town's development and economic significance, reflecting its historical role in the textile industry. The Savonnerie manufactory's legacy continues to influence Lodève's cultural and economic identity, showcasing its historical contributions to the region's artistic and industrial heritage.

### Population and Demographics
Lodève has a population of 7,251 residents as of 2023, with historical census data showing fluctuations over the years. The town's population has varied significantly, with historical records indicating a population of 6,900 in 1999 and 8,378 in 1982. These demographic trends reflect the town's growth and development over time, providing insights into its historical population dynamics.

### Administrative and Contact Information
Lodève's administrative and contact information is maintained by the town hall, which can be reached at +33-4-11-95-03-90 or via email at [mailto:mairie@lodeve.com](mailto:mairie@lodeve.com). The town's official website is [lodeve.fr](https://lodeve.fr/), providing additional information and resources for residents and visitors. The town's postal code is 34700, used for mail and administrative purposes, and its official name is Lodève, with aliases including Lodeva, Luteva, and ロデーブ.

### Archival and Cultural References
Lodève's archival records are maintained by the Departmental archives of Hérault, ensuring the preservation of its historical and cultural heritage. The town is referenced in various cultural and historical sources, including the Jewish Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron, the Encyclopædia Britannica 11th edition, and Pauly–Wissowa, indicating its broader cultural impact and significance. These references highlight Lodève's role in the religious, artistic, and historical narratives of the region.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
4. INSEE code
5. [Source](http://archives-pierresvives.herault.fr/archive/fonds/FRAD034_142EDT)
6. répertoire géographique des communes
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Czech National Authority Database
9. Annuaire de service-public.fr
10. MusicBrainz
11. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
12. Populations légales 2016
13. Populations légales 2017
14. Populations légales 2018
15. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
16. Populations légales 2019
17. Populations légales 2020
18. Populations légales 2021
19. Populations de référence 2022
20. Populations de référence 2023
21. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
22. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
23. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
24. GeoNames
25. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/fr.htm)
26. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
27. [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)
28. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
29. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File