Pailhès, Ariège
| Pailhès | |
|---|---|
  Pailhès | |
|
Location within Midi-Pyrénées region  Pailhès | |
| Coordinates: 43°06′11″N 1°26′36″E / 43.1031°N 1.4433°ECoordinates: 43°06′11″N 1°26′36″E / 43.1031°N 1.4433°E | |
| Country | France |
| Region | Midi-Pyrénées |
| Department | Ariège |
| Arrondissement | Pamiers |
| Canton | Le Fossat |
| Intercommunality | Vallée de la Lèze |
| Government | |
| • Mayor (2008–2014) | Yvon Lassalle |
| Area | |
| • Land1 | 21.52 km2 (8.31 sq mi) |
| Population (2008) | |
| • Population2 | 383 |
| • Population2 Density | 18/km2 (46/sq mi) |
| INSEE/Postal code | 09224 / 09130 |
| Elevation |
267–532 m (876–1,745 ft) (avg. 287 m or 942 ft) |
|
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. 2 Population without double counting: residents of multiple communes (e.g., students and military personnel) only counted once. | |
Pailhès is a commune in the Ariège department in southwestern France.
Geography
The Lèze flows northwest through the southeastern part of the commune, crosses the village, then flows north through the middle of the commune.
History
It is one of the villages that provide a bridge over the river Lèze. As such it was of military significance in the Middle Ages, which resulted in the Chateau of Pailhes being built on the hill overlooking the river. The chateau was built in the 12th century by the Comte de Foix and reached a high point when King Henri II of France stayed the night there. Many of the present day villagers now claim royal descent as a result of this visit.
The ancient village can still be seen at the foot of the chateau while the more modern buildings are across the river.
The chateau has recently been purchased by the local historical society who are in the process of renovating it.
Transport
Pailhès was at one end of the monorail which ran from Toulouse along the valley of the Lèze. Unfortunately this unique railway line was torn up in the inter-war years, though the stations can still be seen in each of the villages of the Lèze.
Population
Inhabitants of Pailhès are called Pailhésiens.
| Historical population | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
| 1962 | 347 | — |
| 1968 | 365 | +5.2% |
| 1975 | 322 | −11.8% |
| 1982 | 307 | −4.7% |
| 1990 | 281 | −8.5% |
| 1999 | 297 | +5.7% |
| 2008 | 383 | +29.0% |
