# Saint-Germain-le-Vasson > commune in Calvados, France **Wikidata**: [Q226422](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q226422) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Germain-le-Vasson) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/saint-germain-le-vasson ## Summary Saint-Germain-le-Vasson is a commune located in the Calvados department in the Normandy region of northwestern France. It sits at coordinates 49.003°N latitude and -0.3006° longitude, approximately 17 kilometers south of Caen, and is part of the arrondissement of Caen. The commune belongs to the canton of Bretteville-sur-Laize and has a population that has fluctuated between approximately 796 and 976 residents over recent decades. ## Key Facts - **Location**: Calvados department, Normandy region, France - **Coordinates**: 49.003055556°N, -0.300555555556°W - **Administrative status**: Commune in the arrondissement of Caen - **Canton**: Bretteville-sur-Laize (until March 2015) - **Department**: Calvados (established March 4, 1790) - **Country**: France - **Type**: Commune of France (municipal territorial subdivision, established 1789) - **Population**: 966 (most recent), with historical figures including 976, 960, 958, 957, 950, 935, 911, 880, 839, 818, 796, 944, 937, 954, 950, 964 - **Alias**: Saint-Germain - **Wikipedia title**: Saint-Germain-le-Vasson - **Website**: http://www.saintgermainlevasson-cingal.suisse-normande.com - **Sitelink count**: 41 ## FAQs **What type of administrative area is Saint-Germain-le-Vasson?** Saint-Germain-le-Vasson is a commune, which is the smallest administrative territorial division in France, similar to a municipality. It is part of the Calvados department in the Normandy region and falls under the jurisdiction of the arrondissement of Caen. **Where is Saint-Germain-le-Vasson located geographically?** The commune is situated in northwestern France in the Normandy region, specifically in the Calvados department. It lies approximately 17 kilometers south of the city of Caen, at coordinates 49.003°N latitude and -0.3006°W longitude. **What is the population of Saint-Germain-le-Vasson?** The population of Saint-Germain-le-Vasson has varied across recent decades, with figures ranging from 796 to 976 residents. The most recent recorded population stands at 966 inhabitants, reflecting the commune's relatively small scale as a rural municipality in Normandy. **What administrative subdivisions does Saint-Germain-le-Vasson belong to?** Saint-Germain-le-Vasson is part of the Calvados department (in existence since March 4, 1790), the arrondissement of Caen, and was historically part of the canton of Bretteville-sur-Laize until March 2015. It is classified as a commune of France, a territorial subdivision established in 1789. **What is the historical context of Saint-Germain-le-Vasson's region?** The commune is located in Normandy, a historical region in northwestern France. Calvados as a department was created during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790. The commune system itself dates to 1789, when France was reorganized into municipalities during the early Revolutionary period. ## Why It Matters Saint-Germain-le-Vasson represents a quintessential French rural commune that embodies the local governmental structure fundamental to France's administrative organization. As one of the over 34,000 communes in France, it serves as the most local level of government, responsible for municipal services and community organization. The commune's location in Normandy places it in a region of significant historical importance, particularly regarding the Allied landings during World War War II, as Calvados was the site of the famous Omaha and Gold beaches during the D-Day invasion. The commune's population fluctuations reflect broader demographic trends in rural Normandy, where many small communes experience population shifts due to migration patterns between urban and rural areas. Understanding these communes is essential for comprehending France's decentralized administrative structure and how local governance operates at the grassroots level. The commune system allows for localized decision-making while remaining integrated into the larger departmental and regional administrative frameworks. ## Notable For - **Rural Normandy location**: Situated in the historic Normandy region, known for its agricultural lands, cider production, and significant World War II historical sites - **Part of Calvados department**: Named after the famous apple brandy produced in the region, representing the area's culinary and agricultural heritage - **Proximity to Caen**: Located approximately 17 kilometers from Caen, one of the major cities in Normandy, providing access to urban amenities while maintaining rural character - **Historical administrative boundaries**: Part of the former canton of Bretteville-sur-Laize until the 2015 French cantonal reorganization, reflecting changes in local governance structures ## Body ### Geography and Location Saint-Germain-le-Vasson is positioned in the Calvados department of the Normandy region in northwestern France. The commune's geographic coordinates are 49.003055556°N latitude and -0.300555555556°W longitude, placing it in the western part of the department. The terrain consists of the characteristic bocage countryside of Normandy, with rolling farmland and hedgerows that define the agricultural landscape of this portion of France. The commune lies approximately 17 kilometers south of Caen, the principal city and administrative center of Calvados. This proximity to Caen provides residents with access to larger urban services, including healthcare, education, and commercial facilities, while the commune itself maintains its distinct rural identity. The location within Normandy places Saint-Germain-le-Vasson in a region bordered by the English Channel to the north, with the area having significant historical importance throughout French history. ### Administrative Structure Saint-Germain-le-Vasson operates as a commune, which is the fundamental unit of local government in France. The French commune system dates to 1789, when the Revolutionary government abolished the traditional provinces and established municipalities as the basic territorial division. Today, France contains over 34,000 communes, each serving as a local administrative unit with its own mayor and municipal council. The commune is part of the Calvados department, which was officially established on March 4, 1790, during the early years of the French Revolution. Calvados is one of the five original departments created in Normandy, and its name has become internationally recognized due to the apple brandy produced in the region. At the departmental level, Saint-Germain-le-Vasson falls under the jurisdiction of the arrondissement of Caen, which serves as an intermediate administrative division between the department and the communes. Regarding canton organization, the commune was part of the canton of Bretteville-sur-Laize until March 2015. The 2015 French cantonal reforms reorganized many cantons across France, merging and restructuring electoral districts to better represent population distribution. The specific details of the current canton affiliation would depend on the post-2015 administrative arrangements. ### Demographics and Population The population of Saint-Germain-le-Vasson has demonstrated fluctuations over recent decades, with recorded figures spanning from 796 to 976 residents. These population numbers reflect the demographic patterns typical of rural French communes, where population can vary based on economic conditions, employment opportunities, and lifestyle preferences. The most recent figure stands at 966 inhabitants, indicating relative stability in the commune's population size. The commune's population size places it among the smaller municipalities in France, consistent with the rural character of much of the Calvados department. Rural communes in Normandy often face challenges related to population retention, particularly as younger generations may relocate to larger urban centers for education and employment opportunities. However, many such communes also attract residents seeking quieter rural lifestyles, particularly those working remotely or retired individuals drawn to the quality of life in Normandy. ### Historical Context Saint-Germain-le-Vasson's existence as a commune dates to the revolutionary period of French history, specifically to 1789 when the commune system was established. This period marked a fundamental transformation in French administrative organization, replacing the ancient regime's provinces with a rational system of departments, arrondissements, and communes. The commune's name, combining "Saint-Germain" (a common French toponym often indicating religious dedication) with "le-Vasson" (likely referring to a local geographic feature or historical figure), reflects the traditional naming conventions of French localities. The Calvados department, created in 1790, encompasses territory that had previously been part of the historical province of Normandy. Normandy itself has a rich history dating back to the Viking settlement in the 10th century and the subsequent Duchy of Normandy. The region played crucial roles throughout French history, including the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 and the Allied landings during World War War II. The D-Day beaches, including Omaha and Gold beaches, are located in Calvados department, making this area of profound historical significance. ### Regional Connections The commune's location in the arrondissement of Caen places it within the administrative sphere of Caen, one of Normandy's principal cities. Caen serves as a regional center for education, healthcare, administration, and commerce, providing essential services to the surrounding rural areas. The city's historical significance includes its medieval architecture and its role during the Battle of Normandy in 1944, when it was heavily damaged during fighting between Allied and German forces. The broader Normandy region is known for its agricultural production, particularly dairy farming, apple orchards, and the production of cider and Calvados. The region's cuisine is renowned throughout France and internationally, with specialties including camembert cheese, tripouille (a tripe dish), and various apple-based products. The coastal areas of Calvados include the famous D-Day landing beaches, which remain major historical tourist destinations, while the interior maintains its agricultural character with farms, orchards, and small villages like Saint-Germain-le-Vasson. ### Local Infrastructure and Services As a French commune, Saint-Germain-le-Vasson provides local municipal services to its residents, including maintenance of local roads, municipal buildings, and community spaces. The commune website (http://www.saintgermainlevasson-cingal.suisse-normande.com) indicates its connection to the Cingal-Suisse Normande region, a tourist area known for its scenic landscapes, hiking trails, and natural attractions. The commune participates in the broader French public services network, with access to national education systems, healthcare facilities, and transportation infrastructure. Residents benefit from France's centralized public services while also engaging with local municipal governance. The French commune system ensures that even small municipalities maintain a direct connection to national and departmental administrative structures. ### Cultural and Community Identity The commune's name and identity reflect the deep historical roots of French rural communities. The prefix "Saint-Germain" is one of the most common place name elements in France, typically indicating dedication to Saint Germanus of Paris or another saint by that name. Such naming conventions reveal the importance of religious institutions in shaping French geography and community identity throughout history. Saint-Germain-le-Vasson represents the network of small rural communes that form the backbone of French territorial organization. These communes maintain local traditions, community events, and social connections that distinguish them from larger urban centers while remaining integrated into the national administrative and political system. ## References 1. BnF authorities 2. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018 3. INSEE code 4. [Source](https://archives.calvados.fr/classificationScheme/11d99609-7d05-4864-9e3e-7f744d9c2753) 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)