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Descartes, France

Centre-Val de Loire · France

Descartes is a small town in Centre-Val de Loire, France with a population of 3,872. Elevation: 121 ft (37 m). Average temperature: 56°F (14°C).

3.0 /5.0
B Good
3,872 Population 331/sq mi density
121 ft Elevation 37 meters
56°F Avg Temperature 14°C
35.1 in Annual Rain
Europe / Paris Timezone
$21,481 Median Income
B
Overall
3.0 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
F
Economy
1.4 / 5.0
$21,481 median income, 18.0% unemployment
A+
Affordability
4.5 / 5.0
$81,800 home value, $409/mo rent

Discover Descartes, France

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile

About Descartes

Descartes

Descartes is a large village and commune in the Indre-et-Loire department in central France. It is approximately 29 kilometers east of Richelieu and about 48 kilometers east of Loudun, on the banks of the Creuse River, near the border of the French department of Vienne, and the border of the region between Centre-Val de Loire and Nouvelle-Aquitaine. It is famous for the birthplace of the French mathematician and philosopher who invented the Cartesian coordinate system, René Descartes.

People

Population3,872
Density331/mi²

Economy

F
Median Income$21,481
Unemployment18.0%
Poverty22.0%

Housing

A+
Home Value$81,800
Rent$409
Housing Units1,549
Rent Burden29.4%

Climate

Avg Temp56°F (14°C)
Rain35.1 in/yr
Sunny Days256/yr
Elevation121 ft (37 m)
Population3,872
Population Density331 / sq mi
Elevation121 ft (37 m)
Coordinates46.9667°, 0.7000°
TimezoneEurope/Paris
Country🇫🇷 France
State / ProvinceCentre-Val de Loire
Average Temperature56°F (14°C)
January Average43°F (6°C)
July Average69°F (20°C)
Annual Precipitation35.1 inches (891 mm)
Annual Snowfall2.3 inches (6 cm)
Median Household Income$21,481

About Descartes

Descartes is a small town in France (Centre-Val de Loire) with a population of 3,872. The city sits at an elevation of 121 feet (37 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 56°F (14°C). Temperatures range from 43°F in January to 69°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 35.1 inches. The timezone is Europe/Paris.

The median household income in Descartes is $21,481, which is 71% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 18.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 22.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 232 business establishments.

Income: Descartes vs France

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$21,481
71% below France avg

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment18.0%
400% above France avg
Poverty Rate22.0%
77% above France avg
Establishments (County)232

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

The median home value in Descartes is $81,800, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $409 (65% below the national average of $1,163). There are 1,549 total housing units in the city. 29.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$81,800
71% below France avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$409
65% below France avg
Rent Burden29.4%

Ownership & Property

Housing Units1,549

Property Tax

Descartes enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 256 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.1 inches. The area receives 2.3 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 121 feet.

Temperature

43°F Jan (6°C) 69°F Jul (20°C)
Annual Average56.4°F
4% above France avg
January Average43°F (6°C)
July Average69°F (20°C)
Sunny Days256 days/yr

Geography

Elevation121 ft (37 m)
Area11.7 sq mi (30.3 km²)
Population Density331/sq mi
Coordinates46.9667°N, 0.7000°W
TimezoneEurope/Paris

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 35.1"
8% below France avg
Snowfall 2.3"
Wettest Month (Dec) 2.72"
Driest Month (Aug) 1.69"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

288 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M5.0. Most recent: M4.8 on Jun 16, 2023.

Jun 8, 2001 France M5.0 132 km
Jun 16, 2023 5 km WNW of Mauzé-sur-le-Mignon, France M4.8 138 km
Jan 12, 1997 2 km E of Sainte-Hermine, France M4.3 139 km
May 2, 2016 6 km SE of L'Île-Bouchard, France M4.2 21 km
Dec 6, 1991 2 km S of Bourgueil, France M4.2 52 km
Jun 30, 2010 1 km ENE of Fontenay-le-Comte, France M4.2 126 km
Mar 14, 2002 2 km WSW of Chantonnay, France M4.1 139 km
Feb 12, 2018 3 km SSE of La Meilleraie-Tillay, France M4.1 120 km
Feb 14, 2003 5 km NE of Vix, France M4.1 131 km
Jun 21, 2019 2 km WSW of Vihiers, France M4.0 98 km
Jul 25, 2010 5 km ENE of Saint-Maurice-la-Clouère, France M4.0 65 km
Dec 1, 1996 5 km SSW of Aigre, France M3.9 136 km
Apr 5, 2001 2 km ENE of Melle, France M3.9 103 km
Oct 3, 1999 11 km W of Écueillé, France M3.8 41 km
Dec 12, 1993 5 km NNW of Argenton-les-Vallées, France M3.8 90 km
Jan 25, 1993 7 km SSE of Souesmes, France M3.8 125 km
Nov 25, 1997 0 km ENE of Tiffauges, France M3.7 137 km
May 5, 2003 1 km N of Torfou, France M3.7 138 km
Aug 23, 1997 7 km NW of Chaillac, France M3.7 68 km
Jan 14, 1992 1 km SW of Saint-Gervais-les-Trois-Clochers, France M3.7 25 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 43°F (6°C) 2.4 in
February 41°F (5°C) 2.3 in Coldest
March 46°F (8°C) 2.0 in
April 50°F (10°C) 2.2 in
May 57°F (14°C) 2.7 in
June 62°F (17°C) 1.9 in
July 69°F (20°C) 1.9 in Warmest
August 67°F (19°C) 1.7 in Driest
September 61°F (16°C) 2.2 in
October 54°F (12°C) 2.4 in
November 45°F (7°C) 2.6 in
December 41°F (5°C) 2.7 in Wettest

Descartes has a seasonal temperature swing of 27°F / from 41°F in February to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.1 inches, with December being the wettest month (2.7") and August the driest (1.7").

View full weather details →

Schools in Descartes

5 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Collège Roger Jahan
École primaire
École Louis Lefé Sainte Marie
École primaire Balesmes
École primaire Côte des Granges
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Descartes

8 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
France Bleu Touraine MP3 128 kbps
ALOUETTE INDRE ET LOIRE MP3 128 kbps
RADIO PULSAR MP3 192 kbps
Europe 2 Centre AAC 127 kbps
Radio Elyon chrétien MP3 128 kbps
Radio Dynamo AAC 96 kbps
Forum TOURS MP3 128 kbps
Radio Béton - Tours 93.6 MP3 320 kbps

Museums in Descartes

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Archéolab
Bataille de Poitiers de 732
Château
Hôtel Sully
Le Grand Atelier
Maison du Patrimoine
Maison du Souvenir
Maison Musée René Descartes
Musée de la Préhistoire
Musée du Presbytère
Musée la Poterne
Musée Mado Robin
Musée Minerve

Libraries in Descartes

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Bibliothèque Andrée Chedid0.0
Bibliothèque Claude Vieille0.0
Bibliothèque Communale0.0
Bibliothèque Municipale " Lucien Brossard "0.0
Bibliothèque Pédagogique et Culturelle0.0
Les Amis de la Lecture0.0
Maillé à livre ouvert0.0
Médiathèque0.0
Médiathèque0.0
Médiathèque Châtellerault Centre0.0
Médiathèque Georges Rouault0.0
Médiathèque le Château des histoires0.0
Médiathèque Micheline Réau0.0

Farmers Markets in Descartes

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Halle
Les Halles
Marché Azay-sur-Indre
Marché Couvert/Salle des Fêtes
Marché de la place des Halles
Marché Place de l'Eglise
Marché Place Milo Freslon
Place des Anciens Combattants
Place du marché Nouâtre

Cafes in Descartes

1 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Latino Café

Castles in Descartes

2 castles within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Château de la Roche-Amenon
Le Bois d'Aix

Clinics in Descartes

1 clinics within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Maison de santé pluridisciplinaire René Godin

Veterinaries in Descartes

1 veterinaries within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Vivaveto

Gas Stations in Descartes

1 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Intermarché Super

Banks in Descartes

3 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Banque Populaire
BNP Paribas
Crédit Agricole

Breweries in Descartes

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
La Vol'Bière

Airports Near Descartes

42 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Poitiers-Biard AirportPISMedium Airport
Tours Val de Loire AirportTUFMedium Airport
Aérodrome de Châtellerault-TargéSmall Airport
Aerodrome de Fougères-sur-BièvreSmall Airport
Amboise Dierre AirfieldSmall Airport
Archigny Chenevelles AirfieldSmall Airport
Azat le Ris AirfieldSmall Airport
Blois Le Breuil AirfieldSmall Airport
Brigueil le Chantre AirfieldSmall Airport
Brizay AirfieldSmall Airport
Buxeuil Saint Rémy sur Creuse AirfieldSmall Airport
Channay-Rillé AirfieldSmall Airport
Château de l'Estang AirfieldSmall Airport
Chauvigny AirfieldSmall Airport
Chenay AirfieldSmall Airport
Chouzy-sur-Cisse AirfieldSmall Airport
Couhé Vérac AirfieldSmall Airport
Ferme de la Braudière AirfieldSmall Airport
Guynem'air Ultralight AirfieldSmall Airport
Hommes Volants Ultralight AirfieldSmall Airport
La Flèche-Thorée-les-Pins AirfieldSmall Airport
Le Blanc AirfieldSmall Airport
Le Fort d'Aslonnes AirfieldSmall Airport
Lémeré AirfieldSmall Airport
Les Bardellières AirfieldSmall Airport
Les Chateaux Ultralight AirfieldSmall Airport
Loches AirfieldSmall Airport
Loudun AirfieldSmall Airport
Montmorillon AirfieldSmall Airport
Montrichard AirfieldSmall Airport
Morand AirfieldSmall Airport
Neuvy le Roi AirfieldSmall Airport
Orbigny Les Pallis AirfieldSmall Airport
Pontlevoy AirfieldSmall Airport
Prissac AirfieldSmall Airport
Saint Branchs AirfieldSmall Airport
Saint Hippolyte AirfieldSmall Airport
Saint-Pierre-de-Chevillé AirfieldSmall Airport
Sepmes AirfieldSmall Airport
Tours Le Louroux AirfieldSmall Airport
Tours Sorigny AirfieldSmall Airport
Villentrois Les Mardelles AirfieldSmall Airport

Post Offices in Descartes

3 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Descartes
Poste Annexe
Poste Annexe

Churches & Religious Organizations in Descartes

5 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Église Paroissiale Saint-Georges de La-Haye-Descartes
Église Paroissiale Saint-Pierre de Balesmes
Église Saint-Pierre
Église Saint-Rémy
Prieuré Notre Dame de Lourdes

Quick Facts

Timezone
Europe/Paris

🇫🇷 About France

Capital Paris
Population 66,987,244
Area 547,030 km²
GDP (USD) $3,056,250,648,138
GDP per capita $44,700
HDI 0.917
Life expectancy 82.9 years
Internet users 86.8%
Urban population 78.8%
Currency EUR (Euro)
Languages French
Calling code +33
TLD .fr
Driving side right

Public Holidays in France

11 public holidays this year

Date Holiday Local Name
Jan 1 New Year's Day Jour de l'an
Apr 6 Easter Monday Lundi de Pâques
May 1 Labour Day Fête du Travail
May 8 Victory in Europe Day Victoire 1945
May 14 Ascension Day Ascension
May 25 Whit Monday Lundi de Pentecôte
Jul 14 Bastille Day Fête nationale
Aug 15 Assumption Day Assomption
Nov 1 All Saints' Day Toussaint
Nov 11 Armistice Day Armistice 1918
Dec 25 Christmas Day Noël

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Frequently Asked Questions About Descartes

What is the population of Descartes?

Descartes has a population of 3,872 residents and is located in France. The population density is 331 people per square mile, spread across 11.7 square miles.

Is Descartes expensive to live in?

The median household income is $21,481, 71% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $81,800 (71% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $409 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

What is the weather like in Descartes?

Descartes enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 43°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 256 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.1 inches, with 2.3 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Descartes?

The job market in Descartes faces challenges, with unemployment at 18.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. There are 232 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Descartes?

The median home value in Descartes is $81,800. For renters, the median monthly rent is $409.

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