Clécy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clécy
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A general view of Clécy
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 Clécy
Location in France
Clécy
Location in Normandy
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| Country | France |
| Region | Normandy |
| Department | Calvados |
| Arrondissement | Caen |
| Canton | Le Hom |
| Intercommunality | Cingal-Suisse Normande |
| Area
1
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24.63 km2 (9.51 sq mi) |
| Population
(2021)
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1,316 |
| • Density | 53.431/km2 (138.39/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) |
| INSEE/Postal code |
14162 /14570
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| Elevation | 31–261 m (102–856 ft) (avg. 80 m or 260 ft) |
| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | |
Clécy is a small town, also called a commune, located in northwestern France. It's part of the Calvados area in the Normandy region.
In 1932, Clécy was given a special title: The Capital of Norman Switzerland. This was because of its beautiful, rugged landscape, which reminded people of Switzerland.
Contents
Exploring Clécy's Geography
Clécy is found right in the middle of Norman Switzerland. It sits on the River Orne, about 35 kilometers (22 miles) south of the city of Caen. Clécy is quite a large commune, covering about 24.63 square kilometers (9.5 square miles).
Villages and Hamlets in Clécy
The commune of Clécy includes several smaller villages and hamlets. These include Roche Taillis, Les Thomas, Le Clos d'Ailly, La Haute Bigne, La Faverie, Les Berthaumes, La Loterie, La Fresnée, and the main village of Clécy.
Rivers and Nature
Clécy is famous for its beautiful, green valleys and hills. The River Orne flows through these valleys. Two smaller streams, The Val Fournet and La Porte, also run through the commune.
Clécy is part of a large nature area called the Vallée de l'Orne et ses affluents. This area is important for protecting wildlife and plants. It covers 2,115 hectares and is shared with 20 other communes.
Fun Outdoor Activities
Because of its unique landscape, Clécy is a great place for outdoor adventures! You can try activities like kayaking on the river, paragliding from the hills, or climbing on the rocky cliffs. It's also perfect for hill walking and mountain biking.
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Saint-Lambert | Saint-Rémy, | Le Vey | |
| La Villette |  |
Le Bô | ||
 Clécy  |
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| Condé-en-Normandie | Pont-d'Ouilly & Saint-Denis-de-Méré | Cossesseville |
Clécy's Past: A Look at History
The name "Clécy" was first written down in the year 860. This was during the time of Charles the Bald, a king of the Franks.
When French cantons (smaller administrative areas) were first created, Clécy was the main town, or "capital," of its canton. However, this changed after a reorganization in 1801.
Clécy has many old and interesting buildings. There are castles (called châteaux) and manor houses all around the area. The Château de la Landelle is one of the oldest.
More recently, famous painters have been inspired by Clécy's beautiful landscapes. Artists like Paul-Émile Pissarro, Moteley, and Andre Hardy have painted scenes from around the town.
How Clécy is Governed
Clécy is run by a mayor and a local council. The mayor is elected by the people living in the commune.
| Election | Mayor | Party | Occupation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Claude Hergault | SE | ||
| 2008 | Michel Bar | SE | Farmer | |
People of Clécy
| Historical population | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
| 1968 | 1,238 | — |
| 1975 | 1,187 | −0.60% |
| 1982 | 1,197 | +0.12% |
| 1990 | 1,182 | −0.16% |
| 1999 | 1,252 | +0.64% |
| 2009 | 1,238 | −0.11% |
| 2014 | 1,251 | +0.21% |
| 2020 | 1,305 | +0.71% |
| Source: INSEE | ||
The people who live in Clécy are called Clécyens in French. The town's population has stayed fairly steady over the years, usually around 1,200 to 1,300 people.
Clécy's Economy
- Fromagerie Vallée (Valley Cheesemaker) is a local business that makes cheese.
Places to See in Clécy
Clécy has several interesting places to visit:
- The Château de La Landelle is one of the oldest buildings in the village. It was originally built with one floor but was later changed to have two floors. During the Second World War, German soldiers used the château.
- The Musée André Hardy is a museum dedicated to the painter Andre Hardy.
- The Musée du chemin de fer miniature is a museum where you can see amazing miniature trains.
- The Eglise St Pierre (St. Peter's Church) is a historic church that dates back to the 15th century.
- The Clécy Viaduct is a large bridge built in 1866.
Famous People from Clécy
- Paul-Émile Pissarro (1884 – 1972) was a French painter known for his impressionist and neo-impressionist styles. He passed away in Clécy.
Twin Towns
Clécy has special friendships with towns in other countries. These are called "twin towns" or "sister cities."
Ermington, United Kingdom (since 1980)
Beyne-Heusay, Belgium (since 1976)
See also
In Spanish: Clécy para niños
