Bailleul is a commune in the Somme department in the Hauts‑de‑France region of northern France. It is situated approximately 25 km northwest of Amiens, the prefecture of the department, and is part of the arrondissement of Amiens and the canton of Corbie.
Geography
- Coordinates: 49°57′ N, 2°21′ E
- Elevation: Ranges from 45 m to 108 m above sea level, with an average elevation of about 70 m.
- Area: 9.26 km² (3.58 sq mi).
- Hydrography: The commune lies near the banks of the River Noye, a tributary of the Somme River.
Administration
- INSEE code: 80053
- Postal code: 80260
- Mayor (2020–2026): Michel Goulon (term confirmed by the latest municipal elections).
- Intercommunality: Member of the Communauté de communes du Val de Somme.
Demographics
According to the most recent census data available from the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) in 2020, Bailleul had a population of 352 inhabitants. Historical population figures show modest fluctuations typical of small rural communes in the region.
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1962 | 421 |
| 1975 | 389 |
| 1990 | 361 |
| 1999 | 350 |
| 2008 | 340 |
| 2015 | 348 |
| 2020 | 352 |
History
Bailleul’s origins date back to the medieval period, with the earliest recorded mentions in feudal documents from the 12th century. The commune was affected by the battles of the Franco‑Prussian War (1870–1871) and later by the heavy fighting that took place in the Somme region during World War I, particularly during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. Several war memorials and cemeteries in and around the village commemorate these events.
Economy and Land Use
The local economy is predominantly agricultural, focusing on cereal cultivation, dairy farming, and livestock raising. Small-scale artisanal activities and local services also support the community. There is limited commercial activity within the commune; residents often travel to nearby larger towns for additional services and employment.
Cultural and Architectural Heritage
- Church of Saint‑Martin: A 19th‑century reconstruction of an earlier medieval parish church, featuring typical regional Gothic Revival architecture.
- War Memorial: Dedicated to the fallen of the World Wars, prominently placed in the village square.
- Traditional Farmhouses: The commune retains examples of Picard rural architecture, including brick and timber structures characteristic of the Somme countryside.
Transportation
Bailleul is accessible via departmental roads D12 and D46, which connect the commune to the surrounding villages and to the A29 autoroute (approximately 15 km east). The nearest railway station is in Amiens, providing regional and national rail services.
Education and Public Services
- Primary Education: Children attend the local primary school in the neighboring commune of Heilly, due to the small size of Bailleul.
- Public Services: The commune maintains a town hall (mairie) that provides administrative services, and a communal library branch is operated jointly with nearby communes.
Notable Persons
There are no widely recognized individuals historically associated with Bailleul, Somme, documented in major biographical references as of the latest available sources.
All information presented is based on publicly available data from French governmental and statistical sources up to 2024.
