Corrèze

Corrèze
Name	Corrèze
Region	Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Prefecture	Tulle
Subprefectures	Brive-la-Gaillarde, Ussel
Population	241,340
Area	5,857
Cantons	19
Communes	280

Corrèze is a department located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France, named after the Corrèze River that runs through it, which is a tributary of the Vézère River and ultimately flows into the Dordogne River. The department is bordered by the Dordogne department to the west, the Haute-Vienne department to the north, the Creuse department to the northeast, the Puy-de-Dôme department to the east, the Cantal department to the southeast, and the Lot department to the south. The capital of Corrèze is Tulle, and the largest city is Brive-la-Gaillarde, which is also a major commercial center in the region, with connections to Limoges, Clermont-Ferrand, and Bordeaux.

Geography

The geography of Corrèze is characterized by its diverse landscapes, including the Massif Central mountains to the east, the Limousin plateau, and the valleys of the Corrèze River and the Vézère River. The department is home to several natural parks, including the Millevaches Regional Nature Park and the Dordogne Valley. The city of Ussel is situated in the north of the department, near the Plateau de Millevaches, while the town of Meymac is located in the heart of the Millevaches Regional Nature Park. The department is also close to the Périgord region, known for its prehistoric sites, such as Lascaux and Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil.

History

The history of Corrèze dates back to the Middle Ages, when the region was part of the Duchy of Aquitaine and was ruled by the Dukes of Aquitaine, including William IX, Duke of Aquitaine and Eleanor of Aquitaine. The department was also influenced by the Cathars and the Albigensian Crusade, which led to the Siege of Carcassonne and the Battle of Muret. During the French Revolution, Corrèze was a hotbed of Royalist activity, and the city of Tulle was the site of a major Royalist uprising, led by Louis de Bonald and François-René de Chateaubriand. The department is also home to several châteaux, including the Château de Turenne and the Château de Castelnau-Bretenoux.

Demographics

The demographics of Corrèze are characterized by a relatively low population density, with an average of 41 inhabitants per square kilometer, compared to the national average of 123 inhabitants per square kilometer. The department has a total population of 241,340, with the largest cities being Brive-la-Gaillarde and Tulle. The population of Corrèze is aging, with a high proportion of residents over the age of 60, and a low birth rate, similar to other rural areas in France, such as the Dordogne department and the Creuse department. The department is also home to several universities and institutes of higher education, including the University of Limoges and the Institut national des sciences appliquées de Toulouse.

Economy

The economy of Corrèze is primarily based on agriculture, with a focus on livestock farming, particularly cattle and sheep, as well as forestry and wood production. The department is also home to several major industries, including metalworking and mechanical engineering, with companies such as Alstom and Renault having facilities in the area. The city of Brive-la-Gaillarde is a major commercial center, with a large market and several shopping centers, including the Centre Commercial du Glob and the Carrefour de Brive. The department is also known for its tourism industry, with attractions such as the Dordogne Valley and the Millevaches Regional Nature Park.

Culture

The culture of Corrèze is rich and diverse, with a strong emphasis on folk music and dance, particularly the Limousin folk traditions. The department is home to several festivals and events, including the Festival de la Musique de Tulle and the Fête de la Gastronomie de Brive. The city of Tulle is also known for its textile industry, particularly the production of lace and embroidery, similar to the city of Alençon. The department is also home to several museums, including the Musée du Cloître de Tulle and the Musée Labenche de Brive.

Administration

The administration of Corrèze is divided into three arrondissements, 19 cantons, and 280 communes. The department is represented in the National Assembly by four deputies, including Christophe Jerretie and Bernard Combes, and in the Senate by two senators, including Claire Bouchet and René Teulade. The capital of Corrèze is Tulle, which is also the seat of the prefecture and the departmental council. The department is also part of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, which is governed by the Regional Council of Nouvelle-Aquitaine and the Regional Prefect of Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

Category:Departments of France