Saint-Péray

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Saint-Péray (French pronunciation: [sɛ̃ peʁɛ] ; Occitan: Sant Pèire d'Ai) is a commune in the Ardèche department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southern France. Historically part of the royal province of Vivarais, it has been a significant settlement since the 15th century when inhabitants moved from the fortified castle of Crussol to the valley of Mialan. The village was originally named Saint-Pierre d'Ay, which later evolved into its current name, Saint-Péray.

Saint-Péray
A general view of Saint-Péray
A general view of Saint-Péray
Coat of arms of Saint-Péray
Location of Saint-Péray
Map
Saint-Péray is located in France
Saint-Péray
Saint-Péray
Saint-Péray is located in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Saint-Péray
Saint-Péray
Coordinates: 44°56′58″N 4°50′45″E / 44.9494°N 4.8458°E / 44.9494; 4.8458
CountryFrance
RegionAuvergne-Rhône-Alpes
DepartmentArdèche
ArrondissementTournon-sur-Rhône
CantonGuilherand-Granges
Government
 • Mayor (2020–2026) Jacques Dubay[1]
Area
1
24.05 km2 (9.29 sq mi)
Population
 (2021)[2]
7,588
 • Density320/km2 (820/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+01:00 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+02:00 (CEST)
INSEE/Postal code
07281 /07130
Elevation107–652 m (351–2,139 ft)
(avg. 128 m or 420 ft)
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

Geography

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Saint-Péray is located at the foot of Crussol Hill, in the western part of the Valence urban area, bordering the Rhône Valley. It serves as a transit point between the Ardèche mountains and the plains of Valence. The commune is characterized by its geological features, primarily composed of sedimentary layers that support a diverse Mediterranean flora and fauna, despite its relatively high latitude.

Climate

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The climate in Saint-Péray is classified as Mediterranean with variations, characterized by hot summers and cooler winters. The average annual temperature is around 12.9°C, with significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Rainfall is concentrated in the autumn months, with an annual average of approximately 933 mm.

Hydrography

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The eastern part of the commune is bordered by the Rhône River, while the Mialan, a tributary of the Rhône, flows through the town.

Transport

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Saint-Péray is accessible via several roadways, including the D86, which connects Lyon to Nîmes. The commune is also served by local bus lines and has a railway station that can accommodate passenger services on a temporary basis.

Demographics

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As of 2021, Saint-Péray had a population of 7,588 inhabitants, reflecting a slight increase from previous years. The residents are known as Saint-Pérollais.

Historical population
YearPop.±% p.a.
1793 1,559—    
1800 1,652+0.83%
1806 1,528−1.29%
1821 1,791+1.06%
1831 2,321+2.63%
1836 2,490+1.42%
1841 2,485−0.04%
1846 2,720+1.82%
1851 2,584−1.02%
1856 2,762+1.34%
1861 2,680−0.60%
1866 2,710+0.22%
1872 2,521−1.20%
1876 2,815+2.80%
1881 2,658−1.14%
1886 2,642−0.12%
1891 2,555−0.67%
1896 2,569+0.11%
YearPop.±% p.a.
1901 2,603+0.26%
1906 2,658+0.42%
1911 2,587−0.54%
1921 2,538−0.19%
1926 2,595+0.45%
1931 2,597+0.02%
1936 2,634+0.28%
1946 2,797+0.60%
1954 3,168+1.57%
1962 3,097−0.28%
1968 3,592+2.50%
1975 4,310+2.64%
1982 5,196+2.71%
1990 5,886+1.57%
1999 6,502+1.11%
2009 7,281+1.14%
2014 7,494+0.58%
2020 7,538+0.10%
Source: EHESS[3] and INSEE (1968-2020)[4]

Economy

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Saint-Péray is renowned for its wine production, particularly its white wines, which are often sparkling and classified within the Saint-Péray appellation, part of the Côtes du Rhône wine region. The local vineyards primarily cultivate the Roussanne and Marsanne grape varieties, producing wines with a pale yellow hue and floral aromas.

Cultural and Historical Significance

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The commune has a rich historical background, with references to its early existence found in documents dating back to the 10th century. Saint-Péray has preserved its cultural heritage through various communal activities and partnerships with other European towns, including Groß-Umstadt in Germany and Santo Tirso in Portugal.

Education and Facilities

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Saint-Péray hosts several educational institutions, including primary schools and a secondary school, the Collège de Crussol. The community also features sports facilities and a media library.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Répertoire national des élus: les maires" (in French). data.gouv.fr, Plateforme ouverte des données publiques françaises. 13 September 2022.
  2. ^ "Populations légales 2021" (in French). The National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 28 December 2023.
  3. ^ Des villages de Cassini aux communes d'aujourd'hui: Commune data sheet Saint-Péray, EHESS (in French).
  4. ^ Population en historique depuis 1968, INSEE