# Magnet

> commune in Allier, France

**Wikidata**: [Q993899](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q993899)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnet,_Allier)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/magnet-q993899

## Summary

Magnet is a commune in the Allier department of central France, situated in the administrative region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. It is located in the arrondissement of Vichy and was historically part of the canton of Varennes-sur-Allier until March 2015. The commune has a population of approximately 1,053 residents and sits at coordinates 46.212777777778°N, 3.5038888888889°E.

## Key Facts

- **Location**: Allier department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, France
- **Arrondissement**: Vichy
- **Historical Canton**: Varennes-sur-Allier (until March 2015)
- **Administrative Status**: Commune of France (territorial subdivision established 1789)
- **Department Inception**: Allier was created March 4, 1790
- **Population**: 1,053 (most recent figure from provided data series)
- **Coordinates**: 46.212777777778°N latitude, 3.5038888888889°E longitude
- **Website**: https://magnet03.fr/vie-municipale/vie-municipale
- **Wikipedia Title**: Magnet, Allier
- **Wikidata Description**: commune in Allier, France
- **Sitelink Count**: 43

## FAQs

**What region and department is Magnet located in?**

Magnet is located in the Allier department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in central France. It falls within the arrondissement of Vichy.

**What type of administrative division is Magnet?**

Magnet is a commune, which is the smallest territorial subdivision for municipalities in France. The commune as an administrative unit was established in 1789.

**What was Magnet's historical administrative affiliation?**

Until March 2015, Magnet was part of the canton of Varennes-sur-Allier. Following French administrative reorganizations, it now falls directly under the arrondissement of Vichy.

**What is the population of Magnet?**

According to the historical population data provided, Magnet has varied in population across different census years, with figures ranging from 592 to 1,053 residents. The most recent figure in the data series shows a population of 1,053.

**What are the geographic coordinates of Magnet?**

Magnet is located at latitude 46.212777777778°N and longitude 3.5038888888889°E, placing it in the central-eastern part of France.

## Why It Matters

Magnet represents a small but integral part of the French communal structure in the Allier department. As one of the communes in the historic region of Auvergne (now part of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes), it contributes to the demographic and administrative fabric of central France. The commune's location in the arrondissement of Vichy places it within a region known for its thermal springs and spa heritage, making it part of a historically significant area for French wellness and tourism.

The commune system in France, of which Magnet is a part, is fundamental to local governance. With over 35,000 communes in France, this decentralized structure allows for close-to-citizen administration and maintains France's unique approach to local government. The Allier department specifically is known for its rural character, forested areas, and agricultural significance, and Magnet contributes to this regional identity.

The historical data showing population fluctuations from 592 to over 1,000 residents across different periods reflects broader demographic trends in rural France, including urbanization pressures and occasional repopulation movements as people seek quieter lifestyles away from major cities.

## Notable For

- Part of the historic Vichy arrondissement, a region famous for its thermal waters and spa culture dating back to Roman times
- Located in the Allier department, created during the French Revolution in 1790
- Represents the French commune administrative system, a distinctive feature of French local governance since 1789
- Coordinates place it in the heart of central France, near the Allier River valley

## Body

### Geography and Location

Magnet is situated in the Allier department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in central-eastern France. The commune's precise geographic coordinates are 46.212777777778°N latitude and 3.5038888888889°E longitude. This location places Magnet in the central part of the Allier department, which itself is named after the Allier River that flows through the region.

The area is characterized by a mix of rolling hills, forests, and agricultural land typical of central France's rural landscape. The Allier department is known for its relatively low population density compared to more urbanized French regions, with many small communes like Magnet dotting the countryside.

### Administrative History

Magnet operates as a commune, which is the fundamental territorial subdivision in France for municipal organization. The commune system was established in 1789 during the French Revolution, representing a radical restructuring of French administrative divisions that replaced the previous feudal system of parishes and provinces.

Historically, Magnet was part of the canton of Varennes-sur-Allier until March 2015. Following French administrative reforms, the cantonal boundaries were redrawn, and Magnet became part of a different administrative structure within the arrondissement of Vichy.

The Allier department itself was created on March 4, 1790, during the early stages of the French Revolution. It was formed from part of the former province of Bourbonnais, which had existed under the Ancien Régime.

### Demographics and Population

The population data for Magnet shows significant variation across different census years, with figures including: 935, 958, 999, 989, 1,004, 722, 611, 592, 656, 694, 741, 894, 1,020, 1,035, 1,037, 1,046, and 1,053 residents. This fluctuation reflects broader demographic trends affecting rural France, including urbanization movements in the mid-20th century and more recent counter-urbanization trends as some residents seek rural lifestyles.

The most recent figure in the data series shows Magnet with a population of approximately 1,053 residents, indicating a relatively small but stable community typical of rural communes in central France.

### Administrative Structure

As a French commune, Magnet is governed by a municipal council and mayor, providing local services and administration to its residents. The commune falls under the jurisdiction of the arrondissement of Vichy, which serves as an administrative subdivision between the department and commune levels.

The department of Allier, in which Magnet is located, is part of the larger Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, one of eighteen administrative regions in France. This multi-layered administrative structure reflects France's unitary state organization, with power distributed across national, regional, departmental, and municipal levels.

### Local Infrastructure and Services

As a functioning commune, Magnet provides various local services to its residents, including municipal administration, local infrastructure maintenance, and community services. The commune maintains a website at https://magnet03.fr/vie-municipale/vie-municipale, indicating modern digital presence for local governance and citizen communication.

The Allier department is served by departmental roads and is within reasonable distance of larger urban centers including Vichy, Moulins, and ultimately Lyon to the east. The region's infrastructure reflects its position as a predominantly rural area with historical market towns serving as local economic and administrative centers.

### Regional Context

Magnet's location in the Allier department places it within a region with rich historical significance. The department takes its name from the Allier River, which has been important for transportation and trade since Roman times. The area was historically part of the province of Bourbonnais, which was annexed into the French kingdom in 1531.

The arrondissement of Vichy is particularly notable for its thermal springs, which have attracted visitors since Roman times and made Vichy a world-renowned spa destination. The town of Vichy itself serves as a subprefecture and major service center for the surrounding area.

The broader Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is one of France's largest, encompassing both the historic Auvergne region and the more urban Rhône-Alpes area. This region is known for its diverse geography, from volcanic landscapes in Auvergne to the Alpine foothills in the east.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
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. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
23. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File