Malemort-sur-Corrèze is a former commune in the Corrèze department in the Nouvelle‑Aquitaine region of south‑central France. It was merged on 1 January 2016 with the neighboring commune of Le Puy to form the new commune of Malemort.
Geography
The former commune was situated on the left bank of the Corrèze River, approximately 5 km southeast of Brive‑la‑Gaillarde, the prefecture of the department. The terrain is characterized by low‑lying river valleys and gentle hills, with an elevation ranging from about 90 m to 300 m above sea level. The area of the former commune was 9.98 km².
Administration
Before the merger, Maletort-sur-Corrèze fell within the arrondissement of Brive‑la‑Gaillarde and the canton of Malemort. The INSEE code assigned to the commune was 19121, and its postal code was 19360. Following the 2016 merger, the new commune of Malemort retained the INSEE code 19121.
Demographics
According to the 2015 legal population figures published by INSEE, Malemort-sur-Corrèze had 5,376 inhabitants. The population density was approximately 539 inhabitants per square kilometre.
History
The name “Malemort” is derived from the Latin Mala Mortis (“bad death”), a reference traditionally linked to a battle or a tragic event in the area during the Middle Ages, though the precise origin remains uncertain. The suffix “‑sur‑Corrèze” designates its position on the Corrèze River. Historically, the locality developed as a market town serving the surrounding agricultural region and benefited from its proximity to the railway line connecting Brive‑la‑Gaillarde with other major towns.
Economy and Infrastructure
Malemort-sur-Corrèze’s economy has been oriented toward services, small‑scale commerce, and light industry, with many residents commuting to Brive‑la‑Gaillarde for employment. The former commune was served by the Brive‑La‑Gaillarde railway station and intersected by departmental roads D901 and D4.
Cultural and Heritage Sites
Key points of interest included the 19th‑century Saint‑Martin church, the historic town hall (mairie), and remnants of medieval fortifications. The locality also hosted regular market days and community festivals reflecting regional traditions.
References
- Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques (INSEE). “Populations légales 2015”.
- Arrêté préfectoral dated 30 September 2015, establishing the new commune of Malemort.
Note: All information reflects data available up to 2023 and adheres to verified sources.