Definition
Puy-Saint-Martin is a commune in the Drôme department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France.
Overview
Located approximately 15 km north of Valence, Puy-Saint-Martin is part of the Valence arrondissement and the canton of Valence-2. The commune lies on the left bank of the Rhône River and is integrated into the intercommunal structure known as the Communauté d'agglomération Valence Romans Agglo. The local economy is primarily agricultural, with a notable emphasis on viticulture; the area is situated within the Côtes du Rhône wine-producing region. Public services include a town hall (mairie), primary school, and community facilities that serve its residents.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Puy‑Saint‑Martin” combines two elements:
- Puy derives from the Latin podium, meaning “hill” or “elevated place,” a common toponymic component in the region.
- Saint‑Martin refers to Saint Martin of Tours, a widely venerated 4th‑century bishop whose name is frequently attached to French localities, indicating a historical dedication of the settlement’s church or chapel to him.
Characteristics
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Administrative status | Commune (the lowest level of French territorial administration) |
| Region | Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alpes |
| Department | Drôme (department number 26) |
| Arrondissement | Valence |
| Canton | Valence‑2 |
| Intercommunality | CA Valence Romans Agglo |
| Area | Approximately 9 km² (exact figure varies by source) |
| Elevation | Ranges from roughly 100 m to 200 m above sea level |
| Population | The most recent census (2019) recorded about 2,500 inhabitants; exact numbers may have changed slightly since then. |
| Economy | Agriculture (particularly vineyards), small‑scale commerce, and residential services linked to the nearby urban centre of Valence. |
| Landmarks | The parish church of Saint‑Martin, traditional Provençal houses, and surrounding vineyards that contribute to the Côtes du Rhône appellation. |
Related Topics
- Communes of the Drôme department – the full list of municipalities within the department.
- Drôme department – the administrative division in which Puy‑Saint‑Martin is situated.
- Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alpes region – the larger administrative region of southeastern France.
- Côtes du Rhône wine region – the wine-producing area that includes vineyards of Puy‑Saint‑Martin.
- Valence, France – the nearest major city, providing broader economic and cultural context for the commune.
All information presented reflects data available from French governmental and geographic sources as of 2023. Where precise figures are not definitively confirmed, approximate values are indicated.