Saint-Péray (; ) is a commune in the

Ardèche Ardèche (; , ; ) is a Departments of France, department in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Southeastern France. It is named after the river Ardèche (river), Ardèche and had a population of 328,278 as of 2019.department in the

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (; AURA) or ; or ; . is a Regions of France, region in southeast-central France created by the 2014 territorial reform of French regions; it resulted from the merger of Auvergne and Rhône-Alpes. The new region came into e ...

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in southern

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. Historically part of the royal province of Vivarais, it has been a significant settlement since the 15th century when inhabitants moved from the fortified castle of Crussol to the valley of Mialan. The village was originally named Saint-Pierre d'Ay, which later evolved into its current name, Saint-Péray.

Geography

Saint-Péray is located at the foot of Crussol Hill, in the western part of the Valence urban area, bordering the Rhône Valley. It serves as a transit point between the Ardèche mountains and the plains of Valence. The commune is characterized by its geological features, primarily composed of sedimentary layers that support a diverse Mediterranean flora and fauna, despite its relatively high latitude.

Climate

The climate in Saint-Péray is classified as Mediterranean with variations, characterized by hot summers and cooler winters. The average annual temperature is around 12.9°C, with significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Rainfall is concentrated in the autumn months, with an annual average of approximately 933 mm.

Hydrography

The eastern part of the commune is bordered by the Rhône River, while the Mialan, a tributary of the Rhône, flows through the town.

Transport

Saint-Péray is accessible via several roadways, including the D86, which connects Lyon to Nîmes. The commune is also served by local bus lines and has a railway station that can accommodate passenger services on a temporary basis.

Demographics

As of 2021, Saint-Péray had a population of 7,588 inhabitants, reflecting a slight increase from previous years. The residents are known as Saint-Pérollais.

Economy

Saint-Péray is renowned for its wine production, particularly its white wines, which are often sparkling and classified within the Saint-Péray appellation, part of the Côtes du Rhône wine region. The local vineyards primarily cultivate the Roussanne and Marsanne grape varieties, producing wines with a pale yellow hue and floral aromas.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The commune has a rich historical background, with references to its early existence found in documents dating back to the 10th century. Saint-Péray has preserved its cultural heritage through various communal activities and partnerships with other European towns, including Groß-Umstadt in Germany and Santo Tirso in Portugal.

Education and Facilities

Saint-Péray hosts several educational institutions, including primary schools and a secondary school, the Collège de Crussol. The community also features sports facilities and a media library.