# Pierrefort

> commune in Cantal, France

**Wikidata**: [Q275202](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q275202)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierrefort)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pierrefort

## Summary
Pierrefort is a commune located in the Cantal department of France, situated in the Auvergne region. It is part of the arrondissement of Saint-Flour and was historically associated with the canton of Pierrefort until its dissolution in 2015. The municipality is characterized by its rural setting and small population.

## Key Facts
- **Country**: France
- **Region**: Auvergne (historical), now part of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
- **Department**: Cantal
- **Arrondissement**: Saint-Flour
- **Former Canton**: Pierrefort (dissolved in March 2015)
- **Population (approximate)**: Ranges from 868 to 1,131 across multiple years, with recent figures near 900
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 44.9217, Longitude 2.8381
- **Website**: [http://www.pierrefort.fr/](http://www.pierrefort.fr/)
- **Classification**: Commune (municipality) under French administrative law
- **Inception as a Commune**: Part of the broader 1789 municipal reorganization of France
- **Wikidata Description**: "commune in Cantal, France"
- **Sitelink Count (Wikipedia, etc.)**: 41

## FAQs

### What is Pierrefort?
Pierrefort is a commune in the Cantal department in central France. It is a small rural municipality that was historically part of the canton of Pierrefort and currently falls under the arrondissement of Saint-Flour.

### Where is Pierrefort located?
Pierrefort is located in the Cantal department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 44.9217°N latitude and 2.8381°E longitude.

### What was the population of Pierrefort in recent years?
Population data for Pierrefort shows variation, with recorded figures including 914, 909, 926, 897, 891, 1090, 1131, 1091, 1017, 1002, 932, 905, 898, 905, 913, 891, and 868 across different years. The population has generally hovered around 900 to 1,100 residents.

### What administrative changes has Pierrefort undergone?
Pierrefort was part of the canton of Pierrefort, which existed until March 2015 when French canton boundaries were reorganized. Since then, it has remained part of the arrondissement of Saint-Flour.

### Is Pierrefort part of the commune system in France?
Yes, Pierrefort is classified as a commune of France, a territorial subdivision for municipalities established in 1789 during the French Revolution.

## Why It Matters
Pierrefort represents a typical small French commune, embodying the decentralized administrative structure of France. While not a major urban or political center, it contributes to the cultural and demographic landscape of rural France, particularly within the Cantal department. Its existence reflects the historical reorganization of French territories post-1789 and the evolution of local governance through reforms such as the 2015 canton restructuring. As part of the arrondissement of Saint-Flour, it plays a role in the regional administrative framework of Cantal.

## Notable For
- **Rural Demographics**: Pierrefort is notable for its small, stable population typical of rural French communes.
- **Historical Canton**: It was historically part of the canton of Pierrefort, which was dissolved in 2015 during administrative reforms.
- **Part of French Communal System**: As a commune, it reflects the legacy of the 1789 municipal reorganization in France.
- **Website Presence**: It maintains an official website, indicating local digital governance engagement.
- **Geographic Positioning**: Located in the Cantal department, it contributes to the regional identity of Auvergne.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Pierrefort is a commune located in the Cantal department, which is part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in central France. It lies within the arrondissement of Saint-Flour, a historic administrative district. The geographic coordinates of Pierrefort are approximately 44.9217°N latitude and 2.8381°E longitude, placing it in a rural and mountainous area typical of the Massif Central.

### Administrative Structure
Pierrefort is classified as a commune, the smallest administrative division in France, established under the 1789 reforms. It was formerly part of the canton of Pierrefort, which was dissolved in March 2015 as part of France's redistricting of cantons. Today, it is directly administered under the arrondissement of Saint-Flour. The commune operates under the broader governance framework of the French Republic.

### Population and Demographics
Population data for Pierrefort indicates a small, rural community with figures ranging from 868 to 1,131 across various years. Recent data suggests a population that typically remains under 1,100 residents. This demographic profile aligns with many small communes in rural France, where populations are relatively stable but often declining.

### Historical Context
The commune system in France was formalized in 1789, and Pierrefort fits within this structure. The dissolution of the canton of Pierrefort in 2015 reflects broader administrative reforms aimed at optimizing regional governance. These changes shifted certain administrative responsibilities to higher levels, such as the arrondissement of Saint-Flour.

### Governance and Local Infrastructure
Pierrefort maintains a local government typical of French communes, with a mayor and municipal council. It has an official website ([http://www.pierrefort.fr/](http://www.pierrefort.fr/)), which provides information to residents and reflects efforts toward digital governance. The commune is part of the decentralized system of French local administration, which balances regional autonomy with national oversight.

### Cultural and Regional Identity
As part of the Cantal department and Auvergne region, Pierrefort contributes to the cultural identity of central France. The area is known for its pastoral landscapes, traditional architecture, and historical ties to rural life. The commune's identity is shaped by its geographic and administrative context, linking it to regional traditions and national heritage.

### Related Entities
- **Cantal Department**: Pierrefort is located within the Cantal department, which was established on March 4, 1790.
- **Arrondissement of Saint-Flour**: The administrative district overseeing Pierrefort since the 2015 reorganization.
- **Former Canton of Pierrefort**: A former administrative grouping that included Pierrefort until its dissolution in 2015.
- **France**: As a commune, Pierrefort is part of the French Republic, which has a semi-presidential system and is divided into regions, departments, arrondissements, cantons, and communes.

Pierrefort, while small, is a representative example of France's intricate and historically rooted administrative structure. Its role reflects the balance between local autonomy and national governance that defines modern France.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
4. INSEE code
5. répertoire géographique des communes
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Annuaire de service-public.fr
8. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
9. Populations légales 2016
10. Populations légales 2017
11. Populations légales 2018
12. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
13. Populations légales 2019
14. Populations légales 2020
15. Populations légales 2021
16. Populations de référence 2022
17. Populations de référence 2023
18. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
19. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
20. GeoNames
21. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
22. [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)
23. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)