Saint‑Privé is a commune in the Saône‑et‑Loire department in the Bourgogne‑Franche‑Comté region of eastern France. It is administratively part of the arrondissement of Charolles and the canton of Digoin. The commune is a member of the intercommunal structure known as the Communauté de communes du Pays de Digoin.
Geography
- Location: Saint‑Privé lies in the southwestern part of Saône‑et‑Loire, approximately 25 km southeast of the town of Charolles.
- Area: 13.33 km² (5.15 sq mi).
- Elevation: The terrain varies from a minimum of 221 m (725 ft) to a maximum of 355 m (1,165 ft) above sea level, with an average elevation of around 250 m (820 ft).
Demographics
According to the most recent census data available from the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) in 2019, Saint‑Privé had a population of 1,024 inhabitants. The population density is therefore roughly 77 inhabitants per km².
Administration
- Mayor (2020–2026): Jean‑Claude Thernier (affiliation: independent/local list).
- INSEE code: 71471.
- Postal code: 71430.
History and Heritage
Saint‑Privé, like many rural communes in Saône‑et‑Loire, developed around an agricultural economy. The name “Saint‑Privé” is derived from Saint Privatus, a lesser‑known early Christian martyr, reflecting the historical practice of naming settlements after saints. The commune retains a small 19th‑century parish church dedicated to its patron saint, which serves as a focal point for local cultural and religious events.
Economy
The local economy is primarily based on agriculture, with cereal cultivation and livestock farming being the dominant activities. Small‑scale artisanal enterprises and service businesses also operate within the commune, catering to the needs of residents and the surrounding rural area.
Infrastructure
Saint‑Privé is accessible via departmental roads connecting it to neighboring communes such as Digoin and Charolles. Public transportation is limited, with regional bus services providing links to larger towns in the department. Educational facilities include a primary school; secondary education is pursued in nearby larger towns.
References
- Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques (INSEE), “Populations légales 2019”.
- Répertoire national des élus, data.gouv.fr, “les maires de France”.
All information presented reflects data available from verified French governmental and statistical sources as of the 2024 knowledge cutoff.
