Écrainville is a commune in the Seine‑Maritime department in the Normandy region of north‑western France. It is situated within the arrondissement of Le Havre and belongs to the canton of Fécamp. The village lies approximately 13 km (8 mi) north‑east of Le Havre, at the junction of the D28 and D149 roads.
Geography
- Area: 6.86 km² (2.65 sq mi)
- Elevation: 92 m to 146 m above sea level, with an average of about 120 m
Demographics
According to the latest available data from the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), the population of Écrainville was 1,296 in 2019. Historical population figures show a gradual increase from the early 19th century, reflecting typical rural demographic trends in the region.
History
Écrainville’s origins trace back to the medieval period. The toponym is likely composed of a personal name of Germanic or Norse origin (e.g., Ekrinn or a similar variant) combined with the Old French ‑ville (“farmstead” or “village”), a pattern common in Normandy place‑names. The earliest documentary mention of the settlement dates to the 12th century.
The commune’s most notable historic building is the Church of Saint Martin, constructed in the 12th century with subsequent modifications in the 16th and 19th centuries. The church retains Romanesque architectural elements, including a semicircular apse and a modest bell tower.
Administration
- Mayor (2020–2026): Jean‑Claude Boulanger
- Intercommunality: Member of the Communauté de communes de Fécamp Caux Estuaire
Economy and Land Use
The local economy is primarily agricultural, focusing on cereal cultivation, pasture, and horticulture. Small‑scale artisanal and service activities support the resident population, and proximity to Le Havre provides commuting opportunities for some inhabitants.
Cultural and Natural Sites
- The 12th‑century Church of Saint Martin (historical monument)
- Rural landscape characterized by typical Norman bocage (hedgerows and small fields)
Transportation
Écrainville is accessed via departmental roads D28 and D149. The nearest major railway station is in Le Havre, offering regional and national train services.
References
- INSEE, “Populations légales 2019,” official demographic statistics.
- “Écrainville,” Le Dictionnaire des communes du département de la Seine‑Maritime, departmental archives.
- French Ministry of Culture, base Mérimée, entry for Église Saint‑Martin.
