# Pessac

> commune in Gironde, France

**Wikidata**: [Q207156](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q207156)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pessac)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pessac

## Summary
Pessac is a commune located in the Gironde department of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in southwestern France. Situated within the Bordeaux Métropole, it serves as a significant residential and academic hub, hosting major educational institutions and renowned wine estates. The commune is geographically defined by its coordinates at 44.805833333333° N, 0.632222222222° W and is administratively divided into the cantons of Pessac-1 and Pessac-2.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type**: Commune in Gironde, France.
- **Location**: Gironde department, Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, France.
- **Coordinates**: 44.805833333333° N, 0.632222222222° W.
- **Population**: Historical and recent estimates include 60,763; 61,332; 57,593; 62,737; 63,808; 64,374; 36,986; 51,360; 50,267; 51,055; 56,143; 57,187; 58,743; 65,245; 65,866; 66,760; 66,874; and 67,339.
- **Administrative Subdivision**: Part of the arrondissement of Bordeaux.
- **Metropolitan Affiliation**: Member of Bordeaux Métropole (established December 31, 1966).
- **Cantonal Division**: Divided into canton of Pessac-1 and canton of Pessac-2 (both established March 22, 2015).
- **Official Website**: https://www.pessac.fr/
- **Alternative Name**: Peçac.
- **Notable Educational Institutions**: Institut d'études politiques de Bordeaux (founded 1948), Bordeaux Montaigne University (founded 1971), and the former Montesquieu University – Bordeaux IV (founded May 9, 1995; abolished 2014).
- **Notable Landmarks**: Château Haut-Brion (winery), Château Pape Clément (winery), and Gare de Pessac-Alouette (railway station).
- **Wikidata ID**:  (implied via headquarters references in source).
- **Sitelink Count**: 61.
- **Wikipedia Title**: Pessac.

## FAQs
**Where is Pessac located and how is it administered?**
Pessac is a commune situated in the Gironde department within the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. It falls under the arrondissement of Bordeaux and is a constituent member of the Bordeaux Métropole, having been part of this metropolitan area since its inception on December 31, 1966. Administratively, the commune is split between two cantons, Pessac-1 and Pessac-2, which were both created on March 22, 2015.

**What educational institutions are based in Pessac?**
The commune is home to several prestigious higher education establishments, including the Institut d'études politiques de Bordeaux, which was founded in 1948, and Bordeaux Montaigne University, established in 1971. Additionally, the former Montesquieu University – Bordeaux IV was founded in Pessac on May 9, 1995, before being abolished and replaced in 2014.

**What are the key economic and cultural assets of Pessac?**
Pessac is internationally recognized for its wine production, hosting the famous Château Haut-Brion and Château Pape Clément, both of which are renowned Bordeaux wineries. The commune also features significant transport infrastructure, such as the Gare de Pessac-Alouette railway station, facilitating connectivity within the region.

**How has the population of Pessac changed over time?**
The population of Pessac has fluctuated significantly across recorded census years, with figures ranging from a low of 36,986 to a high of 67,339. Specific recorded population counts include 60,763, 61,332, 57,593, 62,737, 63,808, 64,374, 51,360, 50,267, 51,055, 56,143, 57,187, 58,743, 65,245, 65,866, 66,760, and 66,874.

## Why It Matters
Pessac holds strategic importance as a key component of the Bordeaux Métropole, acting as a vital link in the urban and economic fabric of southwestern France. Its significance is amplified by the presence of major academic institutions that drive research and education in the region, specifically the Sciences Po Bordeaux and Bordeaux Montaigne University. Furthermore, Pessac is globally renowned for its viticultural heritage, housing two of the most prestigious wine estates in the world, Château Haut-Brion and Château Pape Clément, which contribute substantially to the Bordeaux wine brand. The commune's role as a residential hub with robust transport links, including the Gare de Pessac-Alouette, makes it essential for the daily functioning and connectivity of the greater Bordeaux area.

## Notable For
- **World-Class Viticulture**: Home to Château Haut-Brion and Château Pape Clément, two of the most celebrated wineries in the Bordeaux region.
- **Academic Hub**: Hosts the Institut d'études politiques de Bordeaux (founded 1948) and Bordeaux Montaigne University (founded 1971).
- **Historical University Site**: Former location of Montesquieu University – Bordeaux IV, which operated from 1995 until its abolition in 2014.
- **Metropolitan Integration**: A founding and integral member of the Bordeaux Métropole since December 31, 1966.
- **Administrative Structure**: Divided into two distinct cantons, Pessac-1 and Pessac-2, established in 2015.
- **Population Growth**: Demonstrates significant demographic variation with recorded populations ranging from approximately 37,000 to over 67,000.
- **Transport Connectivity**: Features the Gare de Pessac-Alouette, a key railway station serving the commune.

## Body

### Geography and Administration
Pessac is a commune located in the Gironde department of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in France. Its precise geographic coordinates are 44.805833333333° North latitude and 0.632222222222° West longitude. The commune is administratively part of the arrondissement of Bordeaux. As a territorial subdivision of France, it operates under the commune system established in 1789. The commune is further subdivided for electoral purposes into two cantons: canton of Pessac-1 and canton of Pessac-2, both of which were created on March 22, 2015. Pessac is also a member of the Bordeaux Métropole, a French metropole established on December 31, 1966, which coordinates urban planning and services across the greater Bordeaux area.

### Demographics and Population Trends
The population of Pessac has experienced various fluctuations over the recorded census periods. Historical and recent data points indicate a dynamic demographic profile with figures including 36,986, 50,267, 51,055, 51,360, 56,143, 57,187, 57,593, 58,743, 60,763, 61,332, 62,737, 63,808, 64,374, 65,245, 65,866, 66,760, 66,874, and 67,339. These figures reflect the commune's evolution from a smaller settlement to a significant urban center within the Bordeaux agglomeration. The data suggests a general trend of growth over time, with the population reaching its highest recorded point at 67,339 in the most recent dataset provided.

### Education and Research
Pessac is a major center for higher education in the region. The Institut d'études politiques de Bordeaux, a prestigious *grande école*, was founded in 1948 and maintains its headquarters in Pessac. This institution is a key player in political science and international relations education. Additionally, Bordeaux Montaigne University, a French university dedicated to humanities and social sciences, was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in the commune. The area was also the home of Montesquieu University – Bordeaux IV, which was established on May 9, 1995. This university was later abolished and replaced in 2014, marking a significant restructuring of the local academic landscape.

### Economy and Viticulture
The economy of Pessac is heavily influenced by its world-renowned wine industry. The commune is the site of Château Haut-Brion, a historic and highly prestigious winery that produces some of the most sought-after wines in the world. Similarly, Château Pape Clément is another famous Bordeaux wine estate located within the commune, contributing to the region's global reputation for viticulture. These estates are not only economic drivers but also cultural landmarks that attract visitors and scholars interested in wine production and history.

### Infrastructure and Transport
To support its growing population and economic activities, Pessac is equipped with essential infrastructure. The Gare de Pessac-Alouette serves as a critical railway station, connecting the commune to the broader regional and national transport network. This station facilitates daily commuting and travel for residents, linking Pessac to Bordeaux and other major cities. The commune's integration into the Bordeaux Métropole ensures coordinated development of transport, housing, and public services, enhancing the quality of life for its inhabitants.

### Digital Presence and Identity
Pessac maintains an official digital presence through its website at https://www.pessac.fr/, which serves as a primary source of information for residents and visitors. The commune is also well-documented in knowledge bases, with a Wikipedia title of "Pessac" and a Wikidata description identifying it as a "commune in Gironde, France." It is known by the alias "Peçac" in certain contexts. The entity has a significant online footprint, reflected in a sitelink count of 61, indicating its recognition and coverage across various language editions of Wikipedia and other linked data projects.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
3. INSEE code
4. répertoire géographique des communes
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. Czech National Authority Database
7. Annuaire de service-public.fr
8. MusicBrainz
9. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
10. Populations légales 2016
11. Populations légales 2017
12. Populations légales 2018
13. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
14. Populations légales 2019
15. Populations légales 2020
16. Populations légales 2021
17. Populations de référence 2022
18. Populations de référence 2023
19. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
20. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
21. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
22. GeoNames
23. [(4) Ville de Pessac | Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Pessac/)
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. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
27. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
28. museum-digital