Definition
Montvicq is a commune (municipality) in the Allier department of the Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alpes region in central France.
Overview
Located at coordinates 46°19′15″ N 2°49′20″ E, Montvicq lies within the arrondissement of Montluçon and the canton of Commentry. The commune covers an area of 11.0 km² (approximately 3.87 sq mi) and has an elevation ranging from 281 m to 402 m above sea level, with an average altitude of about 360 m. As of the 2023 population estimate, the commune is home to 692 residents, yielding a population density of roughly 69 inhabitants per square kilometre. The current mayor (2020–2026) is Magali Boulogne, and Montvicq is part of the intercommunal structure known as Commentry‑Montmarault‑Néris Communauté.
Etymology / Origin
The name “Montvicq” is of French origin; its precise linguistic derivation is not documented in readily available sources, and the French Wiktionary notes that the etymology is missing or incomplete. The Occitan form of the name is “Montvic,” suggesting a possible historical link to the Occitan language spoken in parts of southern France. No further verified etymological analysis is currently available.
Characteristics
- Administrative status: Commune in the French administrative hierarchy.
- Geography: Situated in a gently rolling landscape of the Allier department, the territory includes both lowland areas (≈281 m) and modest hills (up to 402 m).
- Demographics: The population has fluctuated modestly since the late 20th century, peaking at 830 in 1968 and stabilising around 700 in recent years.
- Governance: Governed by a municipal council headed by the mayor; participates in the larger intercommunal body for regional cooperation.
- Infrastructure: Identified by INSEE code 03189 and postal code 03170. The commune provides local services typical of small French municipalities, including a town hall, a church, and community facilities.
Related Topics
- Allier department – the administrative division in which Montvicq is located.
- Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alpes region – the broader administrative region encompassing Allier.
- Communes of France – the basic unit of local government in the French Republic.
- Commentry‑Montmarault‑Néris Communauté – the intercommunal structure that coordinates services among neighboring communes.
- Montluçon arrondissement – the subprefecture area that includes Montvicq.
References
- Wikipedia entry “Montvicq,” retrieved via DuckDuckGo search (2024).
- French Wiktionary entry for “Montvicq” (etymology noted as missing).
- Official commune website https://montvicq.fr/ (provides current municipal information).