# Parfondeval

> commune in Aisne, France

**Wikidata**: [Q871779](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q871779)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parfondeval,_Aisne)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/parfondeval

## Summary
Parfondeval is a commune located in the Aisne department of France, within the historic region of Hauts-de-France. It is a small rural municipality known for its inclusion in *The Most Beautiful Villages of France*, an association highlighting picturesque and culturally significant villages across the country.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Parfondeval is situated in the Aisne department, part of the Hauts-de-France region in northern France.
- **Administrative Division**: It is a commune, the smallest administrative subdivision in France, established during the French Revolution (1789).
- **Population**: Historical population data shows fluctuations, with recorded figures including 144, 142, 148, 142, 141, 226, 212, 193, 177, 149, 161, 150, 139, 138, 139, 141, and 143 inhabitants at various points.
- **Coordinates**: 49.740833333333° N, 4.1597222222222° E.
- **Canton**: Formerly part of the canton of Rozoy-sur-Serre until its dissolution in March 2015.
- **Arrondissement**: Located within the arrondissement of Vervins, with historical ties to the arrondissement of Laon.
- **Associations**: Member of *The Most Beautiful Villages of France* (founded March 6, 1982), an independent association promoting rural heritage and tourism.
- **Wikidata Presence**: The commune has 45 sitelinks across Wikimedia projects, with the Wikipedia title "Parfondeval, Aisne."

## FAQs
**Where is Parfondeval located?**
Parfondeval is a commune in the Aisne department of northern France, within the Hauts-de-France region. It lies at coordinates 49.740833333333° N, 4.1597222222222° E.

**What is the administrative status of Parfondeval?**
Parfondeval is classified as a *commune*, the basic local administrative unit in France, created during the French Revolution in 1789. It was previously part of the canton of Rozoy-sur-Serre until the canton's reorganization in 2015.

**Why is Parfondeval notable?**
Parfondeval is recognized as one of *The Most Beautiful Villages of France*, a prestigious association founded in 1982 to preserve and promote the country’s most scenic and culturally rich rural communities.

**What is the population of Parfondeval?**
Population records for Parfondeval vary historically, with figures ranging from 138 to 226 inhabitants. Recent data points include 144, 142, and 143 residents, reflecting its status as a small rural village.

**Which arrondissements is Parfondeval associated with?**
Parfondeval is part of the arrondissement of Vervins, though it has historical connections to the arrondissement of Laon, both of which are administrative divisions within the Aisne department.

## Why It Matters
Parfondeval exemplifies the preservation of rural French heritage, serving as a model for sustainable tourism and cultural conservation. Its inclusion in *The Most Beautiful Villages of France* highlights its architectural charm, historical significance, and role in promoting lesser-known but culturally valuable destinations. As a commune, it also represents the decentralized administrative structure of France, where local governance plays a key role in maintaining regional identity. For travelers and historians alike, Parfondeval offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life in northern France, contributing to the broader narrative of Europe’s rural landscapes.

## Notable For
- **Member of *The Most Beautiful Villages of France***: Recognized for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage since the association’s founding in 1982.
- **Historic Commune Status**: Established as part of France’s revolutionary administrative reforms in 1789.
- **Rural Population Dynamics**: Demonstrates the demographic trends of small French villages, with population records spanning over a century.
- **Administrative Resilience**: Adapted to modern territorial reforms, including the dissolution of its former canton (Rozoy-sur-Serre) in 2015.
- **Geographic Significance**: Located in the Aisne department, a region known for its historical role in World War I and its agricultural landscapes.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Parfondeval is situated in the Aisne department of the Hauts-de-France region in northern France. Its coordinates are 49.740833333333° N latitude and 4.1597222222222° E longitude, placing it in a rural area characterized by rolling hills and agricultural land. The commune is part of the arrondissement of Vervins, an administrative division overseeing multiple cantons and municipalities. Historically, it was also linked to the arrondissement of Laon, reflecting shifts in France’s territorial organization.

### Administrative Structure
As a *commune*, Parfondeval is the smallest administrative unit in France, a system established during the French Revolution in 1789 to replace the feudal divisions of the *Ancien Régime*. Communes are responsible for local governance, including infrastructure, schools, and public services. Parfondeval was formerly part of the canton of Rozoy-sur-Serre, which was dissolved in March 2015 as part of a nationwide reform to reduce the number of cantons and streamline administration. Today, it remains under the jurisdiction of the arrondissement of Vervins.

### Demographics
Population data for Parfondeval reveals a small, fluctuating community typical of rural France. Recorded figures include:
- 144, 142, 148, 142, 141, 226, 212, 193, 177, 149, 161, 150, 139, 138, 139, 141, and 143 inhabitants across various censuses.
These numbers reflect the challenges of rural depopulation, a trend observed in many French villages as urbanization and economic shifts draw residents to larger cities. Despite this, Parfondeval has maintained its identity and appeal, partly due to its recognition as a beautiful village.

### Cultural Recognition
Parfondeval is a member of *The Most Beautiful Villages of France* (*Les Plus Beaux Villages de France*), an independent association founded on March 6, 1982. The organization’s mission is to preserve and promote villages that exemplify France’s rural heritage, architectural charm, and historical significance. Membership is selective, requiring villages to meet strict criteria related to aesthetics, cultural preservation, and tourism potential. Parfondeval’s inclusion underscores its scenic landscapes, traditional architecture, and commitment to maintaining its rural character.

### Historical Context
The commune system, of which Parfondeval is a part, was introduced in 1789 as part of the revolutionary reforms aimed at decentralizing power and creating a uniform administrative structure. The Aisne department, where Parfondeval is located, was established on March 4, 1790, during the same period. The region has historical significance, particularly due to its role in both World Wars, with the Aisne department being a site of major battles during World War I.

### Related Entities
- **Aisne Department**: The administrative region in which Parfondeval is located, known for its agricultural economy and historical landmarks.
- **Canton of Rozoy-sur-Serre**: The former canton to which Parfondeval belonged until its dissolution in 2015.
- **Arrondissement of Vervins**: The current administrative division overseeing Parfondeval, responsible for coordinating municipal services and regional planning.
- **The Most Beautiful Villages of France**: The association that has recognized Parfondeval for its cultural and aesthetic value, contributing to its tourism appeal.

### Tourism and Heritage
Parfondeval’s designation as one of France’s most beautiful villages makes it a destination for tourists seeking authentic rural experiences. The village likely features traditional stone houses, cobblestone streets, and natural surroundings that appeal to visitors interested in history, architecture, and countryside landscapes. Such recognition also supports local economies by attracting visitors who contribute to small businesses, artisans, and hospitality services.

### Modern Challenges
Like many rural communes in France, Parfondeval faces challenges related to aging populations, limited economic opportunities, and the need to balance preservation with modernization. Its membership in *The Most Beautiful Villages of France* provides a framework for sustainable tourism development, helping to mitigate these challenges by promoting the village as a cultural and historical asset.

### Digital Presence
Parfondeval has a digital footprint across Wikimedia projects, with 45 sitelinks, including a dedicated Wikipedia page titled "Parfondeval, Aisne." This online presence aids in its visibility, allowing researchers, tourists, and policymakers to access information about its history, demographics, and cultural significance.

## 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)