Darnétal (French pronunciation: [daʁnetal]; Norman: Dernétal) is a commune in the Seine‑Maritime department of the Normandy region in northern France.
Geography
The commune lies approximately 3 km (2 mi) east of the centre of Rouen, positioned at the junction of departmental roads D43 and D15 and the national route N31. It occupies an area of 14.93 km² (5.76 sq mi) and has an elevation ranging from 13 m to 143 m above sea level. Two small rivers, the Robec and the Aubette, flow through the town.
Administration
Darnétal is part of the arrondissement of Rouen and serves as the seat of the canton of Darnétal. It is a member of the intercommunality Métropole Rouen Normandie. The current mayor (2020–2026) is Christian Lecerf. The INSEE code for Darnétal is 76212 and the postal code is 76160.
Population
According to the most recent data from the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) for 2023, Darnétal has a population of 9,566 inhabitants, giving it a population density of about 1,940 inhabitants per km². Historical population figures show a gradual decline from a peak of 11,765 in 1975 to the current level.
Economy and Infrastructure
The town is primarily a light‑industrial suburban area surrounded by woodland. It is served by a TER (regional express train) station on the SNCF network, providing rail connections to Rouen and other nearby destinations.
Heraldry
The municipal coat of arms is blazoned: Gules, a fess wavy between two gear wheels argent and, in base, a printer’s stamp between, to dexter a weaver’s shuttle and its bobbin in saltire, and to sinister a linen shuttle with its teasele in saltire Or.
Places of Interest
- The Church of Saint Ouen (16th century).
- The Church of Saint Pierre (16th century).
- Remains of a feudal castle.
- A restored watermill.
Notable People
- René Valentin Binet (1913 – 1957), activist, was born in Darnétal.
- Blessed Father Jacques Hamel (1930 – 2016), the first priest killed by ISIL in Europe, was associated with the commune.
References
- INSEE, “Populations de référence 2023”.
- French Ministry of the Interior, Répertoire national des élus.
This entry reflects information available from reliable public sources as of 2026.