# Potigny

> commune in Calvados, France

**Wikidata**: [Q845380](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q845380)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potigny)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/potigny

## Summary
Potigny is a commune located in the Calvados department of France. It is part of the arrondissement of Caen and was historically situated within the canton of Falaise-Nord until the administrative reorganization of March 2015.

## Key Facts
- **Country**: France
- **Region**: Normandy (historically Basse-Normandie)
- **Department**: Calvados
- **Arrondissement**: Caen
- **Former Canton**: Falaise-Nord (until March 2015)
- **Population (recent estimates)**: 1,703 to 2,720 (fluctuating over time)
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 48.9711, Longitude -0.2481
- **Website**: [http://www.potigny.fr](http://www.potigny.fr)
- **Classification**: Commune of France — a territorial subdivision for municipalities
- **Inception as a modern commune**: Post-1789 (following French Revolution administrative reforms)
- **Sitelink Count**: 43
- **Wikipedia Title**: Potigny
- **Wikidata Description**: commune in Calvados, France

## FAQs
**What is Potigny?**  
Potigny is a commune in the Calvados department in the Normandy region of northwestern France. It is a local administrative unit classified under the French municipal system.

**Where is Potigny located?**  
Potigny is located in the Calvados department, within the arrondissement of Caen. It was formerly part of the canton of Falaise-Nord until the 2015 reorganization of French cantons.

**What is the population of Potigny?**  
The population of Potigny has varied over time, with recent figures ranging from approximately 1,700 to 2,700 residents based on historical data.

**What administrative changes has Potigny undergone?**  
Potigny was historically part of the canton of Falaise-Nord, which was dissolved in March 2015 as part of a broader restructuring of French cantons.

**What is the official website for Potigny?**  
The official website for Potigny is [http://www.potigny.fr](http://www.potigny.fr), which provides local information and municipal services.

## Why It Matters
Potigny represents a local unit of governance within the French administrative framework, contributing to the decentralized structure of France. As a commune, it plays a role in regional identity, local governance, and community services in the Normandy region. Its existence reflects the historical and ongoing importance of municipal organization in France, particularly in rural and semi-rural departments like Calvados.

## Notable For
- **Historical Continuity**: Maintains its status as a commune since the post-revolutionary administrative reorganization of France.
- **Regional Integration**: Part of the historically significant Calvados department, known for its cultural heritage and apple-based agriculture.
- **Local Governance**: Represents a functioning example of French municipal democracy within the arrondissement of Caen.
- **Geographic Identity**: Located in Normandy, a region known for its historical significance and cultural landmarks.
- **Population Dynamics**: Reflects rural demographic trends in France, with fluctuating population numbers over time.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Potigny is situated in the northwestern region of France, within the Calvados department. This department is part of the Normandy administrative region, historically known as Basse-Normandie. The commune lies within the arrondissement of Caen, one of the key administrative divisions in Calvados. Until March 2015, it was part of the canton of Falaise-Nord, which was dissolved during a nationwide reorganization of French cantons. The geographic coordinates of Potigny are approximately latitude 48.9711 and longitude -0.2481.

### Administrative Classification
Potigny is classified as a commune, the smallest administrative division in France. Communes are municipal entities established under the framework of the French Revolution in 1789. Each commune has a mayor and a municipal council responsible for local governance. As part of the arrondissement of Caen, Potigny falls under the broader jurisdiction of the Calvados department, which was officially created on March 4, 1790.

### Demographics and Population
The population of Potigny has varied over time, with recorded figures including:
- 1,703 (low)
- 1,719
- 1,776
- 1,818
- 2,058
- 2,072
- 2,075
- 2,076
- 2,077 (x2)
- 2,079
- 2,089
- 2,120
- 2,408
- 2,720 (peak)

These fluctuations may reflect changes in local economic conditions, migration patterns, or administrative boundaries.

### Governance and Local Structure
As a commune, Potigny operates under the broader governance structure of France, which includes departments, arrondissements, cantons (until 2015), and communes. The commune is responsible for local services such as education, municipal policing, and infrastructure maintenance. It is part of the decentralized administration of France, which allows for regional autonomy while maintaining national cohesion.

### Related Entities and Historical Context
- **Calvados Department**: Established on March 4, 1790, Calvados is one of the original departments created during the French Revolution. It is known for its historical landmarks and agricultural output, particularly apples used in cider and Calvados brandy.
- **Arrondissement of Caen**: This is one of the key administrative divisions within Calvados, encompassing numerous communes including Potigny.
- **Canton of Falaise-Nord**: Until March 2015, Potigny was part of this canton. The canton was dissolved as part of a nationwide reform that reduced the number of cantons in France to streamline governance.
- **Commune of France**: The commune is the foundational unit of French local government, established in 1789. It serves as the primary level of governance for municipal affairs.

### Online Presence
Potigny maintains an official website at [http://www.potigny.fr](http://www.potigny.fr), which provides information on local services, municipal news, and community events. This digital presence reflects the integration of French communes into modern communication frameworks.

### Cultural and Regional Significance
Potigny, like other communes in Normandy, contributes to the region's cultural and historical identity. Normandy is known for its role in medieval history, World War II, and its picturesque countryside. The commune's participation in local festivals, agricultural fairs, and historical commemorations underscores its role in preserving regional traditions.

### Infrastructure and Community Services
As part of the decentralized French state, Potigny benefits from national infrastructure standards, including:
- Right-side driving
- Use of the Euro currency
- Access to public education and healthcare services
- Emergency services via national protocols (e.g., 112 for general emergencies)

The commune's infrastructure supports its residents with basic utilities such as electricity (230 volts, 50 Hz), telecommunications (+33 country code), and road networks aligned with national standards.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
4. INSEE code
5. [Source](https://archives.calvados.fr/classificationScheme/11d99609-7d05-4864-9e3e-7f744d9c2753)
6. répertoire géographique des communes
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Annuaire de service-public.fr
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](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
20. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
21. GeoNames
22. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
23. [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)
24. [Code officiel géographique. 2020](https://www.data.gouv.fr/fr/datasets/r/8442dfae-a878-49c6-be4c-20689b1c337c)
25. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)