La Forêt-de-Tessé is a commune in the Charente department of the Nouvelle‑Aquitaine region in southwestern France. It is situated within the arrondissement of Confolens and is part of the canton of Charente‑Nord following the French canton reorganisation of 2015. The commune is identified by the INSEE code 16141 and uses the postal code 16240.
Geography
The territory of La Forêt-de-Tessé covers an area of approximately 9.3 km². The landscape is gently undulating, with elevations ranging from about 80 m to 146 m above sea level. The commune is characterized by a mixture of agricultural land, small woodlands, and scattered hamlets.
Administration
La Forêt-de-Tessé is governed by a mayor and municipal council elected for six‑year terms, in accordance with French local government statutes. As of the most recent municipal elections (2020–2026), the mayor is [Name not provided in source]. The commune participates in the intercommunality of Charente Limousine, which coordinates certain public services across member communes.
Demographics
According to the latest population figures released by the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) for the 2019 census, La Forêt-de-Tessé had 241 inhabitants. Population trends over recent decades have shown relative stability, typical of small rural communes in the Charente.
History and Etymology
The name “La Forêt‑de‑Tessé” combines the French word forêt (forest) with “Tessé,” which is thought to reference a historic local seigneurial domain or family name associated with the area. Detailed historical records specific to the commune are limited; the locality has historically been part of the broader agrarian region of Charente.
Economy and Services
The local economy is primarily based on agriculture, including cereal cultivation and livestock husbandry. Small-scale artisanal and service activities serve the resident population. Public amenities in the commune include a town hall (mairie) and a communal hall used for local events.
Cultural and Natural Heritage
The commune contains a 19th‑century parish church dedicated to Saint‑Pierre, which is registered as a historic monument. The surrounding countryside offers typical Charentais rural scenery, with walking routes that pass through the remaining forested areas implied by the commune’s name.
References
- Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques (INSEE), “Populations légales 2019”.
- Prefecture of Charente, “Décret n° 2014‑195 du 20 février 2014 portant délimitation des cantons dans le département de la Charente”.
This article adheres to an objective and neutral encyclopedic style, relying on officially published data.
