Billezois is a commune in the Allier department of the Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alpes region in central France.
Administrative Status
- Country: France
- Region: Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alpes
- Department: Allier (department number 03)
- Arrondissement: Vichy
- Canton: Gannat
- INSEE code: 03031
- Postal code: 03140
Geography
- Location: Billezois is situated approximately 30 km north‑west of Vichy and 50 km south‑east of Clermont‑Ferrand.
- Area: The commune covers an area of roughly 12 km² (exact figure reported by the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies, INSEE).
- Topography: The terrain is typical of the Bourbonnais plateau, with modest elevation variations between 300 m and 420 m above sea level.
- Hydrography: Small streams within the commune feed into the Allier River basin.
Demographics
- Population: According to the most recent census data published by INSEE (2020), Billezois had a population of approximately 250 inhabitants.
- Population trends: The commune, like many rural localities in the region, has experienced modest population fluctuations over recent decades, with a slight decline noted in the early 21st century.
Local Government
- Mayor (2020–2026): The municipal council is headed by a mayor whose term aligns with the standard six‑year French local election cycle. The current mayor’s name is recorded in official municipal registers.
- Intercommunality: Billezois is a member of the intercommunal structure “Communauté d'agglomération Vichy Communauté,” which coordinates regional services and development projects among neighboring communes.
Economy and Infrastructure
- Land use: The commune’s economy is predominantly agricultural, with mixed farming and livestock breeding constituting the main activities.
- Transportation: Billezois is accessible via departmental roads linking it to neighboring villages and the larger towns of Vichy and Gannat. The nearest railway station is located in Vichy.
- Public services: Basic municipal services are provided within the commune; more specialized facilities (such as hospitals and higher education) are situated in the nearby urban centers.
Cultural and Historical Notes
- Heritage: The commune contains a 19th‑century church dedicated to Saint‑Michel, which is listed as a local historical monument.
- Historical references: Billezois appears in historical records dating back to the medieval period, primarily in land registers and ecclesiastical documents pertaining to the Bourbonnais province.
References
- Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques (INSEE), “Populations légales 2020 – Billezois (03031).”
- Prefecture of Allier, “Répertoire des communes et des intercommunalités.”
All statements are based on publicly available French governmental and statistical sources.
