Montmerrei is a commune in the Orne department of the Normandy region in north‑western France. It is administratively part of the arrondissement of Alençon and the canton of Sées. The commune is a member of the intercommunal structure known as the Communauté de communes de la Vallée de la Haute Sarthe.
Geography
- Area: Approximately 9.7 km².
- Elevation: The terrain varies between about 180 m and 260 m above sea level, with an average elevation near 210 m.
- Location: Montmerrei lies in the western part of the Orne department, situated near the Sarthe river basin and surrounded by agricultural land and mixed forest.
Administration
- Mayor (2020–2026): The municipal council is headed by a mayor elected for a six‑year term; the current mayor (as of the 2020 municipal elections) is [Name not provided in source].
- INSEE code: 61288.
- Postal code: 61500.
Demographics
According to the most recent legal population figures released by the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) for the year 2020, Montmerrei had a population of roughly 150 inhabitants. The commune, like many rural localities in the region, has experienced modest fluctuations in population over recent decades.
History and Heritage
Montmerrei’s history is typical of small Norman villages, with origins dating back to the medieval period. The settlement’s name likely derives from a combination of the French “mont” (mountain or hill) and a personal name “Merrei,” suggesting “the hill of Merrei.” The commune possesses a parish church dedicated to Saint‑Pierre, featuring architectural elements from the 12th and 13th centuries, and a modest rural heritage that includes traditional Norman stone houses.
Economy
The local economy is primarily agricultural, focusing on mixed farming, livestock rearing, and limited viticulture. Small‑scale artisanal activities and tourism related to the region’s natural landscape also contribute to the commune’s economic profile.
See also
- Communes of the Orne department
References
- Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques (INSEE), “Populations légales 2020.”
- Official publications of the Prefecture of Orne.