Definition
La Coudre is a hamlet (small settlement) situated in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland. It forms part of the municipality of Bière in the district of Morges.
Overview
La Coudre lies in the western part of the canton of Vaud, within the French‑speaking region of Switzerland. The hamlet is positioned in a rural, hilly landscape typical of the Vaud countryside, at an elevation of approximately 800 m (2 620 ft) above sea level. As a component of the municipality of Bière, La Coudre does not have separate administrative status, and its demographic figures are included in the municipal statistics of Bière. The settlement consists mainly of residential dwellings, agricultural buildings, and a limited number of local services that serve the immediate community.
Etymology / Origin
The name “La Coudre” is derived from the French word coudre, historically linked to the term coudrier (hazel tree). Place‑name research in the region indicates that many localities bearing the element coudre originally referred to areas where hazel trees were abundant. Consequently, “La Coudre” likely denotes “the place of hazel trees.” No alternative etymological interpretations have been documented in authoritative sources.
Characteristics
- Geography: The hamlet is set in a predominantly agricultural zone, surrounded by fields, pastures, and forested areas. It is accessible via local road networks that connect to the main thoroughfares of Bière and the surrounding municipalities.
- Administration: La Coudre falls under the political jurisdiction of the municipality of Bière, which provides local governance, public services, and schooling for residents.
- Economy: Economic activity in La Coudre is largely centered on agriculture, small‑scale farming, and residential occupation; there are no major industrial or commercial centers within the hamlet itself.
- Infrastructure: Basic infrastructure includes local roads, electricity, water supply, and telecommunications, all managed by the cantonal and municipal authorities. Public transportation options are limited, with occasional bus services linking the hamlet to larger nearby towns such as Bière and the district capital, Morges.
- Population: Specific population figures for La Coudre are not separately published; demographic data are aggregated within the statistics for the municipality of Bière.
Related Topics
- Canton of Vaud – the larger administrative region encompassing La Coudre.
- Municipality of Bière – the local governing body responsible for the hamlet.
- District of Morges – the administrative district that includes Bière and La Coudre.
- Swiss hamlets and rural settlements – broader context for small communities in Switzerland.
- Toponymy of the French‑speaking part of Switzerland – study of place‑name origins such as “La Coudre.”