Le Bény-Bocage is a commune in the Calvados department in the Normandy region of northwestern France. It is situated within the arrondissement of Caen and the canton of Le Hom. The commune is part of the intercommunality known as Cœur de Nacre.
Geography
Le Bény-Bocage lies in the Bocage Normand, a landscape characterized by mixed woodland and hedgerows. The commune covers an area of approximately 13.95 km² (5.38 sq mi). Its elevation ranges from 55 to 182 meters above sea level, with the main settlement situated around 100 meters.
Administration
- Mayor (2020–2026): André Audebert
- INSEE code: 14057
- Postal code: 14220
Demographics
According to the latest available census data (2019), Le Bény-Bocage had a population of 1,345 inhabitants. The population density is therefore roughly 96 inhabitants per square kilometre. Historical population figures show a gradual increase since the mid‑20th century, reflecting modest residential development in the area.
History
The name “Le Bény” derives from the Old Norse personal name Bani combined with the French suffix -y, indicating “the estate of Bani”. The addition of “Bocage” references the surrounding hedgerow countryside typical of the region. The commune formed through the merger of the former villages of Le Bény and Le Bocage in the early 19th century, a common administrative practice during the formation of modern French communes.
Economy and Infrastructure
Le Bény-Bocage’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, with dairy farming and crop cultivation dominant in the surrounding rural lands. Small‑scale commercial activities centre around the village square, including a bakery, a local market, and a few service-oriented businesses. Transportation links include departmental roads connecting the commune to larger towns such as Caen (approximately 30 km to the north) and Thury‑Holmes (the nearest railway station).
Cultural and Historical Sites
- Church of Saint-Pierre: A 12th‑century Romanesque parish church, listed as a historical monument, featuring a bell tower and original stone masonry.
- War Memorial: Erected after the First World War, commemorating local residents who died in the conflicts of 1914–1918 and 1939–1945.
- Traditional Norman Farmsteads: Several preserved farms exemplify the architectural style of the Bocage region.
Education
The commune maintains a primary school (École publique de Le Bény-Bocage) that serves local children. Secondary education facilities are located in nearby larger towns, with students commuting daily.
See also
- Communes of the Calvados department
- Bocage Normandy
References
Data derived from the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) and official publications of the Calvados departmental administration.