# Niort

> French commune in Deux-Sèvres

**Wikidata**: [Q184159](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q184159)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niort)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/niort

## Summary
Niort is a French commune located in the Deux-Sèvres department of western France. It serves as a regional hub with administrative, economic, and cultural significance, known for its historical landmarks, sports facilities, and role as the seat of the arrondissement of Niort.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Situated in the Deux-Sèvres department, France, at coordinates 46.325°N, -0.46222222222222°W.
- **Population**: Estimated at 57,393 to 61,044 residents across various years.
- **Administrative Role**: Capital of the arrondissement of Niort and part of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
- **Transport**: Home to Gare de Niort, a key railway station.
- **Sports**: Hosts Stade René Gaillard, a football and athletics stadium inaugurated in 1974.
- **Football Club**: Chamois Niortais F.C., founded in 1925, is based in Niort.
- **Historical Industry**: Formerly home to Automobiles Barré, a car manufacturer (1908–?).
- **Insurance**: Headquarters of Mutuelle assurance des commerçants et industriels de France et des cadres et des salariés de l'industrie et du commerce (MACIF), founded in 1960.
- **Cantons**: Divided into cantons Niort-1, Niort-2, and Niort-3 (post-2015 reorganization).
- **Website**: Official site at [vivre-a-niort.com](http://www.vivre-a-niort.com).

## FAQs
**What is Niort known for?**
Niort is recognized as an administrative center in Deux-Sèvres, hosting key institutions like the arrondissement headquarters and Gare de Niort. It is also known for its football club, Chamois Niortais F.C., and the Stade René Gaillard.

**What are the main economic activities in Niort?**
Niort’s economy is diverse, with a strong presence in insurance (MACIF headquarters) and historical ties to manufacturing (Automobiles Barré). The city also benefits from its role as a regional transport hub.

**How is Niort governed?**
Niort is a commune within the French administrative system, governed by a mayor and municipal council. It is part of the arrondissement of Niort and the Deux-Sèvres department.

**What sports facilities does Niort have?**
Stade René Gaillard, opened in 1974, is the primary venue for football and athletics, serving as the home ground for Chamois Niortais F.C.

**What are the cantons of Niort?**
Niort is divided into three cantons: Niort-1, Niort-2, and Niort-3, established in 2015 as part of a territorial reorganization.

## Why It Matters
Niort plays a pivotal role as an administrative and economic center in western France. Its strategic location, transport infrastructure, and presence of major institutions like MACIF contribute to regional development. The city’s cultural and sporting life, exemplified by Chamois Niortais F.C. and Stade René Gaillard, fosters community engagement and regional pride.

## Notable For
- **Administrative Hub**: Seat of the arrondissement of Niort and a key commune in Deux-Sèvres.
- **Transportation**: Home to Gare de Niort, a vital railway station.
- **Sports**: Hosts Stade René Gaillard and Chamois Niortais F.C., a historic football club.
- **Economic Center**: Headquarters of MACIF, a major French insurance company.
- **Historical Industry**: Former base of Automobiles Barré, an early 20th-century car manufacturer.

## Body

### Geography and Administration
Niort is located in the Deux-Sèvres department of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, France. It serves as the capital of the arrondissement of Niort and is divided into three cantons: Niort-1, Niort-2, and Niort-3, established in 2015. The city’s coordinates are 46.325°N, -0.46222222222222°W.

### Demographics
Niort’s population has fluctuated between approximately 57,393 and 61,044 residents in recent years. As a regional center, it attracts both economic activity and cultural events.

### Economy and Industry
Niort is a significant economic hub, hosting the headquarters of MACIF (Mutuelle assurance des commerçants et industriels de France et des cadres et des salariés de l'industrie et du commerce), a major French insurance company founded in 1960. Historically, the city was home to Automobiles Barré, a car manufacturer established in 1908.

### Transportation
Gare de Niort is the city’s primary railway station, connecting Niort to other major French cities. The station facilitates both passenger and freight transport, supporting regional mobility.

### Sports and Culture
Stade René Gaillard, inaugurated in 1974, is a multi-purpose stadium used for football and athletics. It is the home ground of Chamois Niortais F.C., a football club founded in 1925. The club competes in French football leagues and contributes to the city’s sporting identity.

### Historical Context
Niort’s history includes industrial contributions, such as Automobiles Barré, which operated in the early 20th century. The city’s administrative role has evolved with France’s territorial reforms, including the 2015 canton reorganization.

### Related Entities
- **Deux-Sèvres**: The department in which Niort is located, created in 1790.
- **Arrondissement of Niort**: The administrative division headed by Niort.
- **Beauvoir-sur-Niort**: A neighboring commune, established in 1973.
- **Cantons**: Niort is divided into Niort-1, Niort-2, and Niort-3, replacing older cantons (Niort-Est, Niort-Nord, Niort-Ouest).

### Infrastructure and Services
Niort’s infrastructure includes modern amenities, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities, supporting its role as a regional center. The city’s official website, [vivre-a-niort.com](http://www.vivre-a-niort.com), provides information on local services and events.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.um.bialapodlaska.pl/index.php?ps=26)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
5. INSEE code
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 2019
16. Populations légales 2020
17. Populations légales 2021
18. Populations de référence 2022
19. Populations de référence 2023
20. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
21. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
22. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
23. GeoNames
24. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
25. [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)
26. [Mairie de Niort: Overview | LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/mairie_de_niort/)
27. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)