Courson-les‑Carrières is a commune in the Yonne department of the Bourgogne‑Franche‑Comté region in north‑central France.
Geography
- The commune lies on the right bank of the Seine River, approximately 10 km southeast of the departmental capital, Auxerre.
- It is situated at an elevation ranging from 99 m to 158 m above sea level and covers an area of 10.87 km².
Administration
- Arrondissement: Auxerre
- Canton: Auxerre‑4
- INSEE code: 89123
- Postal code: 89400
- Mayor (2020–2026): Pascal Régnier
Population
- According to the latest census data (2020), the commune had 1,218 inhabitants.
- The population density is approximately 112 inhabitants per square kilometre.
History
- The name “Courson” derives from a personal name of Gallo‑Roman origin, possibly “Curtius,” combined with the Latin suffix “‑onem.”
- The suffix “‑les‑Carrières” references historic stone quarries that operated in the area from the medieval period through the 19th century, providing building material for regional construction.
Economy and Infrastructure
- The local economy is primarily residential with some agricultural activity, notably cereal cultivation and viticulture in the surrounding countryside.
- Proximity to the A6 autoroute and the national railway line (Paris‑Dijon) facilitates commuter links to larger urban centres.
Cultural and Heritage Sites
- The parish church of Saint‑Martin, dating from the 12th century, is a listed historic monument.
- Remnants of the former quarry sites are visible on the outskirts of the commune and are occasionally used for recreational activities such as walking and rock climbing.
Education
- The commune hosts a public primary school, École publique de Courson‑les‑Carrières, serving local children up to the age of 11. Secondary education is provided in nearby Auxerre.
References
- Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques (INSEE) census data.
- “Communes of the Yonne department” – official departmental publications.
- French Ministry of Culture database (Base Mérimée) for listed heritage structures.
