MAYBE you are looking to start a business in France, or are just keen to find out a little more about your local commune, well drop in on Insee’s Statistiques Locales.
Insee is the official statistics authority and compiles facts and figures on a wide range of subjects, to a quite dizzying degree sometimes, but their stats on local communes can be quite eye opening.
You start your search by entering your postcode and from their look at different data, such as average earnings, the spread of home owners and employment levels.
You can also track down geographical details of regions, as well as info on occupancy rates in hotels and compare the environmental well-being of different corners of France.
There is also an interactive map that lets you click on an individual commune and access statistical details, while it is also possible to download figures to plug into a spreadsheet if you want to get some real insight.
But be warned the Statistiques Locales site can eat up your day and you’ll wonder just where the time went.