Saint-Paul-le-Jeune is a commune in the Ardèche department in the Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alpes region of southern France. It is situated within the arrondissement of Largentière and the canton of Les Vans. The commune is part of the intercommunality known as “Bassin d'Aubenas”.
Geography
- Location: Approximately 44°31′ N latitude and 4°16′ E longitude, the commune lies in the mountainous area of the southern Ardèche, near the Cévennes foothills.
- Area: 12.8 km² (rounded to the nearest tenth).
- Elevation: The terrain varies from about 250 m to 800 m above sea level, with the village centre at roughly 380 m.
Demographics
According to the most recent census data released by the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), the population of Saint‑Paul‑le‑Jeune was 558 inhabitants in 2019. The commune has experienced modest fluctuations in population over recent decades, typical of rural communities in the region.
Administration
- Mayor: The municipal council is headed by a mayor elected for a six‑year term; the latest term began in 2020.
- Council: The council comprises local elected officials who manage communal affairs in accordance with French municipal law.
History
The name “Saint‑Paul‑le‑Jeune” references a dedication to a saint named Paul, with “le Jeune” distinguishing it from other locales named after Saint Paul. Historical records indicate that the settlement originated in the medieval period, developing around a parish church dedicated to the saint. The commune’s history is closely linked to the broader historical patterns of the Ardèche, including agricultural development, occasional resistance activities during the French Revolution, and participation in the regional rural exodus of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Economy
The local economy is primarily based on agriculture, forestry, and small‑scale livestock farming. In recent years, tourism has become an ancillary source of income, with visitors attracted to the scenic landscape, hiking trails, and traditional Provençal architecture. Local artisans also produce handicrafts and regional food products.
Culture and Heritage
- Religious Architecture: The parish church, dating from the 12th‑13th centuries, is a notable example of Romanesque architecture with later Gothic modifications.
- Heritage Sites: The surrounding countryside contains several stone farmhouses (mas) and communal ovens typical of the Ardèche rural heritage.
Infrastructure
Saint‑Paul‑le‑Jeune is accessed via departmental roads connecting it to larger towns such as Les Vans and Largentière. Public services include a town hall (mairie), a primary school, and basic health facilities; more specialized services are available in nearby urban centers.
See also
- Communes of the Ardèche department
References
- Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques (INSEE), “Populations légales 2019”.
- Prefecture of Ardèche, official municipal directories.
This entry reflects information available from official French governmental sources and reputable geographic references as of 2026.