Saint‑Phal is a commune in the Aube department in the Grand Est region of north‑central France.
Administrative status
- Region: Grand Est
- Department: Aube (postal code 10130)
- Arrondissement: Troyes
- Canton: Bar-sur-Seine
- INSEE code: 10359
- Mayor (2020–2026): Pascal Marstre
Geography
- Coordinates: 48°16′N 4°13′E (approx.)
- Elevation: 138–197 m above sea level; average elevation about 144 m.
- Area: 20.87 km² (8.06 sq mi).
Demographics
Population figures recorded by the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) show a gradual decline over recent decades:
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1962 | 398 |
| 1975 | 363 |
| 1990 | 311 |
| 1999 | 279 |
| 2008 | 262 |
| 2015 | 242 |
| 2020 | 236 |
Note: The latest official census data (2020) lists 236 inhabitants.
Economy and land use
The commune’s economy is primarily agricultural, with mixed farming typical of the Champagne plain. The surrounding landscape includes cereal fields, pastures, and small vineyards associated with the broader Champagne viticultural zone.
Historical overview
- The name “Saint‑Phal” derives from a dedication to Saint Phal, a relatively obscure saint venerated locally; the exact identity of the saint is not well documented in widespread hagiographic sources.
- The settlement has medieval origins, with the earliest recorded mention in 12th‑century ecclesiastical documents.
- The local parish church, dedicated to Saint‑Phal, dates from the 13th century and incorporates later Gothic modifications. It is listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.
Cultural and community facilities
- Religious heritage: The Church of Saint‑Phal (Église Saint‑Phal) contains 16th‑century stained‑glass windows and a stone baptismal font.
- Education: There is a primary school serving the commune and neighboring villages; secondary education is provided in larger towns such as Bar‑sur‑Seine and Troyes.
- Associations: The commune maintains a communal hall and hosts local associations focused on traditional crafts, agricultural fairs, and regional festivals.
Transport links
- Saint‑Phal is accessible via departmental roads D123 and D33, which connect the village to Bar‑sur‑Seine (approximately 8 km southeast) and to Troyes (about 45 km northwest).
- The nearest railway station is Bar‑sur‑Seine, providing regional TER services on the Paris–Mulhouse line.
References
- INSEE, “Populations légales 2020”, commune code 10359.
- Ministry of Culture, Base Mérimée, entry for Église Saint‑Phal.
- “Commune de Saint‑Phal”, Official site of the Aube department.
All information is drawn from publicly available French administrative and statistical sources.
