Lavilleneuve-au-Roi is a commune in the Haute‑Marne department in the Grand Est region of north‑eastern France.
Geography
- Location: Situated within the arrondissement of Chaumont and the canton of Bologne.
- Coordinates: Approximately 48°13′N latitude, 5°15′E longitude.
- Area: 7.21 km² (2.78 sq mi).
- Elevation: Ranges from about 374 m to 452 m above sea level, with an average elevation of roughly 410 m.
Administration
- INSEE code: 52277.
- Postal code: 52700.
- Mayor (2020–2026): Jean‑Claude Lemaître (as of the latest municipal election data).
- Intercommunality: Member of the Communauté de communes des Trois Forêts.
Demographics
- Population: 132 inhabitants recorded in the 2019 census, reflecting a slight decline from earlier decades.
- Population density: Approximately 18 inhabitants per km².
History and Heritage
- The name “Lavilleneuve-au-Roi” derives from the Old French la villa neuve (“the new village”) combined with the suffix au‑Roi, historically indicating a royal patronage or jurisdiction.
- The commune’s origins trace back to the medieval period, with the settlement emerging around a manor house that fell under royal domain in the 13th century.
- Notable heritage sites include a 19th‑century parish church dedicated to Saint‑Martin and remnants of traditional limestone farmsteads typical of the Haute‑Marne countryside.
Economy and Infrastructure
- The local economy is primarily agricultural, focusing on cereal cultivation, livestock farming, and limited artisanal production.
- Road access is provided by departmental routes D117 and D619, linking the commune to nearby towns such as Chaumont and Bologne.
- Public services include a town hall (mairie) and a communal communal hall used for civic events; the nearest schools and healthcare facilities are located in surrounding larger communes.
Cultural and Community Life
- Annual events often revolve around traditional rural festivals, including harvest celebrations and local markets that showcase regional produce.
References
- French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) census data, 2019.
- Prefectoral decrees and municipal records, Haute‑Marne department.
- Historical toponymy studies on French commune names.
