General Overview
Perreux is a commune in the Yonne department, located in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of north‑central France. It is part of the arrondissement of Sens and the canton of Gâtinais en Bourgogne.
Geography
- Area: Approximately 13.00 km² (5.02 sq mi).
- Elevation: Ranges from 128 m (420 ft) to 208 m (682 ft) above sea level.
- Location: The commune lies south‑west of the town of Sens and is traversed by the Auxonne River, a tributary of the Yonne River.
Administration
- INSEE code: 89294.
- Postal code: 89150.
- Mayor (2023‑2026 term): Claude Boucher.
- Intercommunality: Member of the Communauté de communes du Gâtinais en Bourgogne.
Demographics
- Population (2020): 309 inhabitants.
- Population trend: The commune has experienced modest fluctuations over recent decades, typical of rural municipalities in the region.
Economy and Infrastructure
- The local economy is primarily agricultural, focusing on cereal cultivation, viticulture, and livestock farming.
- Small‑scale artisanal and service enterprises serve the resident population.
- Transportation infrastructure includes departmental roads connecting Perreux to neighboring communes and the nearby A5 autoroute (E45) providing broader regional access.
Historical Context
- The name “Perreux” likely derives from the Old French “perro” meaning “stone” or “rock,” reflecting the geological character of the area.
- Historical records indicate settlement in the medieval period, with the parish church of Saint‑Martin dating from the 12th‑13th centuries.
- The commune was incorporated into the modern departmental system during the French Revolution (1790).
Cultural and Architectural Landmarks
- Church of Saint‑Martin: Romanesque origins with later Gothic additions; listed as a historic monument.
- War Memorial: Commemorates local soldiers who died in the World Wars.
Education and Public Services
- Primary education is provided by a local school grouping (école maternelle‑élémentaire) serving Perreux and adjacent villages.
- Secondary schooling and specialized services are accessed in larger nearby towns such as Sens.
References
- INSEE (National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies) demographic data.
- “Communes of the Yonne department,” official departmental publications.
- Ministry of Culture, Base Mérimée (architectural heritage database).
