Deux-Sèvres
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| Deux-Sèvres | |
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| Department | Deux-Sèvres |
| Number | 79 |
| Region | Nouvelle-Aquitaine |
| Prefecture | Niort |
| Subprefectures | Bressuire, Parthenay |
| President | Coralie Dénoues |
| President party | DVD |
| Population | 374,435 |
| Population rank | 66th |
| Population date | 2021 |
| Area km2 | 5999 |
| Cantons | 17 |
| Communes | 256 |
Deux-Sèvres. A department in western France, Deux-Sèvres is part of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Its prefecture is Niort, a major economic center historically linked to the mutual insurance industry. The department is named for the two branches of the Sèvre Nantaise and Sèvre Niortaise rivers that flow through its territory, which features a landscape transitioning from the plains of Poitou to the marshlands of the Marais Poitevin.
Geography
Situated in western France, the department is bordered by Vendée to the west, Vienne to the east, Charente-Maritime to the south, and Maine-et-Loire to the north. The terrain is characterized by the Gâtine hills in the north, a bocage area around Parthenay, and the expansive, canal-laced wetlands of the Marais Poitevin in the south, often called "Green Venice." Key waterways include the Sèvre Niortaise, which flows through Niort towards the Bay of Biscay, and the Thouet, a tributary of the Loire. The climate is generally oceanic, with mild winters and warm summers, conducive to agriculture.
History
The area corresponds to the historic province of Poitou. It was created in 1790 during the French Revolution, primarily from parts of the former Province of Poitou. The region was a significant theater during the War in the Vendée, a royalist Catholic rebellion against the First French Republic, with battles fought near Châtillon-sur-Sèvre (modern Mauléon) and Thouars. In the 19th century, the construction of the Canal de la Dive and other works helped drain the Marais Poitevin. The department was part of the former Poitou-Charentes region until the 2016 formation of Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
Economy
The economy is diversified, with a strong agricultural base known for the production of Parthenaise cattle, Maraîchine cattle, and goat cheese such as Chabichou du Poitou, which holds an Appellation d'origine contrôlée. Niort is a national hub for the mutual insurance and cooperative banking sectors, hosting the headquarters of major groups like Groupama and the Crédit Agricole network. Important industrial activities include the manufacture of apparel and footwear, with companies like Eram based there, alongside food processing and the production of helmets by Moto-Revue. The Futuroscope theme park in neighboring Vienne also draws tourism.
Demographics
The population was 374,435 in 2021, with a density of about 62 inhabitants per square kilometer. The main urban areas are the prefecture Niort, followed by Bressuire and Parthenay. The northern Gâtine area is more sparsely populated. The department has experienced steady, modest growth, partly due to its attractiveness for retirees and its proximity to larger cities like Poitiers, La Rochelle, and Nantes.
Culture and heritage
The department has a rich cultural identity, historically within the Poitevin linguistic zone. Traditional music includes the use of the veuze bagpipe. Notable architectural heritage includes the medieval fortifications of Parthenay, the Romanesque church of Saint-Jouin-de-Marnes, and the Renaissance-style Niort Donjon. The Marais Poitevin is a major natural and cultural attraction. The area is also known for its mogettes (white beans) and the Tourteau Fromager cake. Important cultural events include the Festival de Parthenay (Les Musicales) and the Foire Exposition de Niort.
Administration
The department is divided into three arrondissements: Niort, Bressuire, and Parthenay. It comprises 17 cantons and 256 communes. The Departmental Council is based in Niort, and its president is Coralie Dénoues. Deux-Sèvres is part of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine regional council and falls within the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal of Poitiers. It is represented by three deputies in the National Assembly (France) and two senators in the Senate (France).