Definition
Coutures is a commune of the Dordogne department in the Nouvelle‑Aquitaine region of southwestern France.
Overview
Coutures is situated in the rural interior of the Dordogne, approximately 30 km north‑east of the departmental capital Périgueux. The commune is administered within the arrondissement of Périgueux and belongs to the canton of Montpon‑Ménestérol. Like many small communes in the area, its economy is primarily agricultural, with mixed farming and viticulture forming the main activities. The settlement consists of a central village clustered around a parish church, surrounded by scattered hamlets and farms. According to the most recent national census data available, the population of Coutures is modest, numbering in the low hundreds; precise figures are not confirmed in publicly accessible sources.
Etymology / Origin
The toponym “Coutures” is derived from the French word couture, which historically can denote a “seam” or “junction.” In a toponymic context, the name may refer to a place situated at the meeting point of fields, roads, or watercourses. This interpretation aligns with the typical naming conventions of rural French communes, where geographic features often inform place names. No alternative etymology is documented.
Characteristics
- Geography: The commune lies on gently rolling limestone terrain typical of the Dordogne, with a mixture of woodland and cultivated land.
- Administration: Coutures is governed by a mayor and municipal council elected for six‑year terms, in accordance with French local government law.
- Landmarks: The principal built heritage includes the parish church dedicated to Saint‑Martin, dating from the 12th–13th centuries, and a communal war memorial commemorating residents who died in the World Wars.
- Infrastructure: Local infrastructure comprises a town hall (mairie), a primary school (when operational), and limited commercial services; residents often rely on nearby larger towns for broader amenities.
Related Topics
- Dordogne department
- Nouvelle‑Aquitaine region
- Communes of France
- Rural administration in France
- French toponymy
Accurate information is not confirmed for specific demographic statistics, exact administrative boundaries, and detailed historical records due to limited publicly available sources.