Saint‑Sauveur‑en‑Diois is a commune in the Drôme department of the Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alpes region in southeastern France. It is situated within the historical and geographic area known as the Diois, a mountainous part of the Pre‑Alps.
Geography
Saint‑Sauveur‑en‑Diois lies in a valley of the Vercors Massif, characterized by steep slopes, forested areas, and agricultural land. The commune is part of the arrondissement of Die and the canton of Le Diois. Its coordinates place it at approximately 44° 44′ N latitude and 5° 30′ E longitude. The terrain varies in elevation, typical of the region, which ranges from low valleys to higher mountain passes.
Administration
- Department: Drôme (department number 26)
- Region: Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alpes
- Arrondissement: Die
- Canton: Le Diois
- Intercommunality: Communauté de communes du Diois
The commune is governed by a mayor and a municipal council, in accordance with French local government law. The mayoral term aligns with the six‑year election cycle that applies to all French communes.
Demographics
Population figures for Saint‑Sauveur‑en‑Diois are modest, reflecting its rural character. The most recent official census data indicate a small number of inhabitants, typical of many communes in the Diois plateau. Specific population numbers and trends are subject to periodic update by the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE).
Insufficient Encyclopedic Information exists to provide an exact current population count or detailed demographic breakdown.
History and Culture
The name “Saint‑Sauveur” (literally “Holy Savior”) is a common dedication in French toponymy, often linked to a historical parish church. The suffix “en‑Diois” designates its location within the Diois region. Historical records show that the area has long been associated with pastoral agriculture, forestry, and, more recently, tourism centered on natural scenery and outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.
Economy
The local economy is primarily based on agriculture (particularly livestock and dairy), small‑scale forestry, and tourism services that cater to visitors exploring the Vercors and surrounding natural parks. Economic data specific to Saint‑Sauveur‑en‑Diois are limited; the commune's economic profile is generally consistent with that of other small, mountain communes in the Drôme department.
Infrastructure
As a small rural commune, Saint‑Sauveur‑en‑Diois is connected to nearby towns and villages by departmental roads. Public services include a town hall (mairie) and basic communal facilities. More specialized services (e.g., secondary education, health care) are accessed in larger neighboring towns such as Die or prefectural centers.
References
- French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) – official commune data.
- Administrative documents of the Drôme department.
Note: Detailed historic, demographic, or economic statistics for Saint‑Sauveur‑en‑Diois are not extensively documented in publicly available encyclopedic sources; where specific data are lacking, the entry reflects the general characteristics of comparable communes in the Diois area.