Meaulne-Vitray (French pronunciation: [mo(l)n vitʁɛ]) is a commune in the department of Allier, central France. The municipality was established on 1 January 2017 by merger of the former communes of Meaulne (the seat) and Vitray.
Contents
History
In an effort to guarantee the maintenances of public services in the face of the reduction in state donanations, the 1 January 2017, the communes of Meaulne and Vitray — which did not have a church, cemetery, and no longer a school, in addition to relying on infrastructure from Meaulne — fused to become the commune nouvelle of Meaulne-Vitray.
Politics and administration
Administrative and electoral attachments
Meaulne-Vitray is situated in the Montluçon arrondissement in the department of Allier. Within the department, the commune is attached to the Canton of Bourbon-l'Archambault.
For legislative elections to the National Assembly, Meaulne-Vitray is part of Allier's 2nd legislative constituency.
Intercommunality
Since its inception the commune has been a part of the communauté de communes du Pays de Tronçais.
Population
Population data refer to the area corresponding with the commune as of January 2025.
Local culture and heritage
Places and monuments
Église Saint-Symphorien de Meaulne, built in the 17th century, the church has been inscribed as a monument historique since 1985. It is notable for containing the particular sculpted group: Vierge de Pitié from the 16th century, and has itself been a monument historique since 1975.
Église Saint-Éloi de Vitray, built between the 12th and 17th centuries, the church consists of a bell tower entirely covered in shingles. It has been listed as a monument historique since 2 June 1976.
Château du Plaix, built in the 17th century, the castle has been listed as a monument historique since 1985.
Château des Alliers, located two kilometres from the town centre. The main body of the building dates back to the 17th century and was later supplemented with two pavilion-roofed wings. At one point the castle belonged to Général Georges Chevalier, the father of French philosopher and government minister during the Vichy regime Jacques Chevalier. The residence, surrounded by a vast property had been abandoned prior to being restored and maintained by its current owners.
La GilPat, old 8 acres farm which was built in 1905 and located at the foot of the Château des Alliers.
Forest of Tronçais.