# Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre

> commune in Allier, France

**Wikidata**: [Q454533](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q454533)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/saint-pour-ain-sur-besbre

## Summary
Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre is a commune located in the Allier department of France, situated along the Besbre River. It is part of the arrondissement of Moulins and has a population of approximately 428 residents as of recent estimates. The commune is known for its historical landmarks, including Château de Thoury, and its proximity to Le Pal, a notable animal theme park.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Situated in the Allier department, France, along the Besbre River.
- **Administrative Division**: Part of the arrondissement of Moulins.
- **Population**: Estimated at 428 residents (recent data).
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 46.475555555556, Longitude 3.6363888888889.
- **Aliases**: Also known as Besbre-la-Montagne or simply Saint-Pourçain.
- **Website**: http://st-pourcain-sur-besbre.interco-abl.fr.
- **Historical Landmark**: Château de Thoury, built around 1500.
- **Nearby Attraction**: Le Pal, an animal theme park established in 1973.
- **Sitelink Count**: 44 references on Wikidata.

## FAQs
**Where is Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre located?**
Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre is located in the Allier department of France, within the arrondissement of Moulins. It lies along the Besbre River and is part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

**What is the population of Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre?**
The commune has a population of approximately 428 residents, based on recent estimates. Historical data shows fluctuations, with past counts ranging from 368 to 477 residents.

**What are some notable landmarks in Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre?**
One of the most notable landmarks is Château de Thoury, a historical castle dating back to around 1500. Additionally, the commune is near Le Pal, a popular animal theme park that opened in 1973.

**What is the administrative structure of Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre?**
Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre is a commune within the Allier department, which is part of the arrondissement of Moulins. It operates under the broader administrative framework of the French Republic.

## Why It Matters
Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre is a small but historically significant commune in France, contributing to the cultural and administrative fabric of the Allier department. Its proximity to landmarks like Château de Thoury and Le Pal makes it a point of interest for both locals and visitors. The commune's role in the broader region highlights the importance of small municipalities in maintaining France's rich historical and cultural heritage.

## Notable For
- **Historical Landmark**: Home to Château de Thoury, a castle built around 1500.
- **Proximity to Le Pal**: Located near a well-known animal theme park established in 1973.
- **Administrative Role**: Part of the arrondissement of Moulins within the Allier department.
- **Population Dynamics**: Experienced fluctuations in population, reflecting broader demographic trends in rural France.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre is situated in the Allier department of France, within the arrondissement of Moulins. The commune is located along the Besbre River, which plays a significant role in the local geography and ecosystem. The coordinates of the commune are approximately 46.475555555556 latitude and 3.6363888888889 longitude.

### Historical Context
The commune is home to Château de Thoury, a historical castle that dates back to around 1500. This landmark is a testament to the region's rich history and architectural heritage. The castle serves as a cultural and historical point of interest for visitors and researchers alike.

### Demographics
The population of Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre has varied over the years, with recent estimates placing it at approximately 428 residents. Historical data shows fluctuations, with past counts ranging from 368 to 477 residents. These changes reflect broader demographic trends in rural France, including shifts in economic opportunities and migration patterns.

### Administrative Structure
Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre is part of the arrondissement of Moulins within the Allier department. The commune operates under the administrative framework of the French Republic, which includes local governance structures and regional policies. This administrative role is crucial for the management of local services and infrastructure.

### Nearby Attractions
One of the notable attractions near Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre is Le Pal, an animal theme park that opened in 1973. The park is a popular destination for families and tourists, offering a variety of animal exhibits and entertainment options. Its proximity to the commune enhances the local tourism industry and provides economic benefits to the region.

### Cultural and Historical Significance
The presence of Château de Thoury and the proximity to Le Pal highlight the cultural and historical significance of Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre. The commune's role in preserving historical landmarks and contributing to the local tourism sector underscores its importance in the broader context of the Allier department and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

### Related Entities
Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre is connected to several related entities, including the Allier department, the arrondissement of Moulins, and the Besbre River. These connections are integral to the commune's identity and function within the broader administrative and geographical framework of France.

## References

1. [prefectoral decree in France](https://www.prefectures-regions.gouv.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/irecontenu/telechargement/112588/843056/file/3janvier2023_n°-2_recueil-84-2024-002-recueil-des-actes-administratifs-special.pdf)
2. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
3. INSEE code
4. répertoire géographique des communes
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. Annuaire de service-public.fr
7. MusicBrainz
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. [Source](http://cassini.ehess.fr/cassini/fr/html/fiche.php?select_resultat=34276)
20. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
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)