Chazelles, Cantal

Chazelles
Chazelles
Commune
	Location of Chazelles
	Chazelles Chazelles
	Coordinates: 45°06′16″N 3°20′14″E / 45.1044°N 3.3372°E
Country	France
Region	Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Department	Cantal
Arrondissement	Saint-Flour
Canton	Neuvéglise-sur-Truyère
Government
• Mayor (2020–2026)	Lucette Chauvel
Area 1	6.28 km2 (2.42 sq mi)
Population (2021)	31
• Density	4.9/km2 (13/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+01:00 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+02:00 (CEST)
INSEE/Postal code	15048 /15500
Elevation	677–1,115 m (2,221–3,658 ft) ; (avg. 976 m or 3,202 ft)
	1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

Chazelles is a commune in the Cantal department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southern France. Known for its picturesque landscapes and traditional rural charm, Chazelles exemplifies the natural beauty of the Auvergne region, with rolling hills, historic buildings, and a strong agricultural heritage.

Population

Historical population
Year	Pop.	±%
1962	66	—
1968	80	+21.2%
1975	67	−16.2%
1982	56	−16.4%
1990	49	−12.5%
1999	45	−8.2%
2008	33	−26.7%

Geography

Chazelles is located in the Massif Central region of France, an area characterized by its volcanic mountains, rolling plateaus, and rich agricultural land. The commune sits within the rugged terrain of Cantal, surrounded by forests, pastures, and scenic views of the French countryside.

History

The history of Chazelles reflects the broader history of the Auvergne region, with influences from the medieval period and the agricultural traditions of rural France. The village retains historical architecture typical of the Cantal area, including stone houses, traditional farm buildings, and historic landmarks that speak to its heritage.

Demographics

Chazelles has a modest population, with residents who are often deeply connected to the region’s agricultural lifestyle. The commune has seen periods of decline and revival in population, following trends typical of rural areas in France as younger generations move to urban centers.

Economy

The economy of Chazelles is primarily based on agriculture, with local farms producing dairy products, meat, and crops suited to the region's mountainous environment. Livestock farming, particularly cattle, is a significant part of the local economy, with products such as Cantal cheese being notable exports. Additionally, tourism provides a small economic boost, with visitors drawn to the area's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Points of Interest

Historic Churches: The commune features historic churches and chapels, some of which date back to the medieval period and showcase traditional Cantal architecture.
Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Park: Chazelles is located near the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Park, a popular destination for hiking, nature exploration, and learning about the region's volcanic history.
Cantal Cheese Farms: The area is known for Cantal cheese production, and visitors can tour local farms to learn about traditional cheese-making techniques.

Culture

Chazelles is part of the traditional Auvergne culture, where festivals, cuisine, and crafts reflect the region's rural heritage. Annual events celebrate local agriculture, while seasonal fairs offer an opportunity for residents and visitors to experience traditional Auvergne food, crafts, and music.

Transportation

Chazelles is accessible by regional roads connecting it to nearby towns and larger cities within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Public transportation is limited, with private cars being the primary means of travel for residents and visitors.

References

^ "Répertoire national des élus: les maires". data.gouv.fr, Plateforme ouverte des données publiques françaises (in French). 2 December 2020.
^ "Populations légales 2021" (in French). The National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 28 December 2023.

External Links

[Official Website of the Cantal Department](https://www.cantal.fr)

This Cantal geographical article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

[1] "Répertoire national des élus: les maires". data.gouv.fr, Plateforme ouverte des données publiques françaises (in French). 2 December 2020.

[popleg2021-2] "Populations légales 2021" (in French). The National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 28 December 2023.

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