# Saint-Auban > commune in Alpes-Maritimes, France **Wikidata**: [Q534144](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q534144) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Auban) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/saint-auban ## Summary Saint-Auban is a commune located in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France, situated in the arrondissement of Grasse. It is a small French municipality that forms part of the canton of Saint-Auban and lies at coordinates 43.848333333333°N latitude and 6.7263888888889°E longitude. The commune is connected to the broader administrative structure of France, which is a semi-presidential republic and a founding member of the European Union. ## Key Facts - **Official Name**: Saint-Auban - **Alias**: Sant Auban - **Type**: Commune in Alpes-Maritimes, France - **Country**: France - **Department**: Alpes-Maritimes (inception: 1860-06-23) - **Arrondissement**: Grasse - **Canton**: Saint-Auban - **Coordinates**: 43.848333333333°N, 6.7263888888889°E - **Website**: http://www.saint-auban.fr - **Wikipedia Title**: Saint-Auban - **Wikidata Description**: commune in Alpes-Maritimes, France - **Population**: Historical figures include 232, 233, 230, 222, 216, 211, 225, 221, 217, 267, 232, 224, 215, 214, 213, 204, and 194 (various census years) - **Commune of France Inception**: 1789 (established as part of the French territorial subdivision system) - **Sitelink Count**: 43 (Wikipedia connections) ## FAQs **What region is Saint-Auban located in?** Saint-Auban is located in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France, specifically within the arrondissement of Grasse. The department of Alpes-Maritimes was established on June 23, 1860. **What administrative divisions does Saint-Auban belong to?** Saint-Auban is part of the canton of Saint-Auban and the arrondissement of Grasse. It falls under the administrative jurisdiction of France, which is a unitary semi-presidential republic with its current constitution established on October 4, 1958, founding the Fifth Republic. **What are the geographic coordinates of Saint-Auban?** Saint-Auban is situated at latitude 43.848333333333°N and longitude 6.7263888888889°E, placing it in the southeastern region of France near the Mediterranean coast. **What is the population of Saint-Auban?** Saint-Auban has had varying population figures across different census years, with recorded numbers including 232, 233, 230, 222, 216, 211, 225, 221, 217, 267, 232, 224, 215, 214, 213, 204, and 194 residents. **What is the administrative history of communes in France?** The commune of France as a territorial subdivision was established in 1789 during the French Revolution, creating the modern system of municipalities that persists today. Saint-Auban operates within this framework as one of the fundamental administrative units of the French Republic. **What time zone does Saint-Auban observe?** As part of metropolitan France, Saint-Auban operates on Central European Time (UTC+01:00) and observes Central European Summer Time (UTC+02:00) during daylight saving time. **What is the official language of Saint-Auban?** As part of France, the official language is French, though the region may recognize local linguistic variations in practice. ## Why It Matters Saint-Auban matters as a representative example of the small commune structure that forms the backbone of French territorial administration. While not a major population center, communes like Saint-Auban are essential to understanding the decentralized administrative system of France, which divides the country into over 35,000 municipalities. These local administrative units handle matters ranging from local urban planning to community services, and they form the most granular level of democratic representation in France. The existence of Saint-Auban within the Alpes-Maritimes department also highlights the administrative reorganization of southeastern France following the addition of Nice and Savoy to France in 1860. The department of Alpes-Maritimes, established on June 23, 1860, represents a strategic region bordering Italy and the Mediterranean Sea, making communes like Saint-Auban part of France's border region administration. From a geographic perspective, Saint-Auban's location at approximately 43.85°N latitude places it in a Mediterranean climate zone characterized by mild winters and warm summers, typical of the French Riviera hinterland. This positioning makes it part of a region known for tourism, agriculture (particularly olive groves and vineyards), and natural beauty. The commune system in France, to which Saint-Auban belongs, represents a unique approach to local governance that dates back to the French Revolution. This system ensures that even small communities have a direct relationship with the national government while maintaining local autonomy in certain matters. Understanding Saint-Auban helps illustrate how France balances centralized state authority with local democratic representation. ## Notable For - **Administrative Structure**: Part of the canton of Saint-Auban, representing a traditional electoral and administrative subdivision in France - **Departmental Heritage**: Located in Alpes-Maritimes, a department created in 1860 following the annexation of Nice and Savoy - **Geographic Position**: Situated at coordinates 43.848333333333°N, 6.7263888888889°E in the southeastern French Alps region - **Historical Communal System**: Operates under the commune system established in 1789 during the French Revolution - **Local Governance**: Functions as part of France's decentralized administrative structure with its own municipal government - **Regional Context**: Part of the arrondissement of Grasse, which encompasses numerous communes in the Alpes-Maritimes department ## Body ### Geographic Location and Setting Saint-Auban is a commune situated in the southeastern portion of France, specifically in the Alpes-Maritimes department. The commune is positioned at coordinates 43.848333333333°N latitude and 6.7263888888889°E longitude, placing it in the mountainous interior region of the department rather than directly on the Mediterranean coast. This location places Saint-Auban in the southern foothills of the Alps, characterized by a landscape of hills, valleys, and elevated terrain typical of the pre-Alpine region. The Alpes-Maritimes department encompasses both the coastal strip of the French Riviera and the mountainous interior that extends northward into the Alps. Saint-Auban represents one of the inland communes that contribute to the department's diverse geography, which ranges from Mediterranean coastal areas to Alpine elevations. The department shares an eastern border with Italy, a historical consequence of the 1860 annexation of the County of Nice and Savoy. ### Administrative Structure and Hierarchy Saint-Auban operates within a multi-layered administrative system that reflects France's organization as a unitary state. At the most fundamental level, Saint-Auban is classified as a commune of France, a territorial subdivision that originated in 1789 during the French Revolution. The commune system in France represents the lowest level of administrative division, with each commune having its own municipal government, mayor, and council, regardless of population size. Above the communal level, Saint-Auban is part of the canton of Saint-Auban. The canton serves as an electoral district for elections to the Departmental Council and also as a judicial constituency. Cantons in France are designed to ensure proportional representation and local administrative coherence across the department. The next administrative level is the arrondissement of Grasse, which encompasses Saint-Auban along with other communes in the western portion of the Alpes-Maritimes department. The arrondissement serves as an intermediate administrative division between the department and the communes, handling matters such as administrative coordination and state representative functions. The Alpes-Maritimes department, established on June 23, 1860, represents the highest regional administrative level for Saint-Auban. This department was created following the Treaty of Turin in 1860, when the Kingdom of Sardinia ceded the County of Nice and the Duchy of Savoy to France in exchange for French military support in the Italian unification process. This historical context means that Saint-Auban and other communes in the department have a relatively recent history within France, having been part of the French territory for approximately 165 years. ### Population and Demographics Saint-Auban has maintained a modest population throughout its recorded history, with census figures showing numbers ranging from approximately 194 to 267 residents across various counting periods. These population figures are consistent with the commune's classification as a small rural municipality rather than an urban center. The population fluctuations recorded for Saint-Auban reflect broader demographic trends affecting rural communes across France. Many small French communes have experienced population decline as younger generations migrate to larger cities and urban areas in search of employment and educational opportunities. However, some small communes have also experienced population stabilization or slight growth as remote workers and retirees seek quieter lifestyles away from major urban centers. As part of France, Saint-Auban participates in the national census system conducted by the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE). The population figures recorded for the commune contribute to national demographic statistics and help determine funding allocations and administrative resources. ### Historical Context and Development The commune of Saint-Auban, like all French communes, traces its institutional origins to the French Revolution. The revolutionary government of 1789 abolished the previous feudal administrative divisions and replaced them with a uniform system of communes, initially organized within the framework of the departments created in 1790. This system established the principle that France would be divided into standardized administrative units with equal legal status, regardless of historical privileges or traditional boundaries. The establishment of the Alpes-Maritimes department in 1860 brought Saint-Auban under its current departmental affiliation. This reorganization reflected the broader political changes occurring in Europe during the mid-19th century, particularly the Italian unification movement that led to the transfer of the Nice and Savoy regions from the Kingdom of Sardinia to France. The canton system, of which Saint-Auban is a part, has evolved over time. Cantons were originally created as judicial districts but later became electoral constituencies for the Departmental Council. The current configuration of cantons reflects reforms implemented in 2015 that redrew boundaries to ensure more equal representation based on population. ### Relationship with National and Regional Structures Saint-Auban, as a French commune, operates within a system of decentralized administration that balances local autonomy with national coordination. The commune is governed by a municipal council elected by residents, with the mayor serving as the local executive authority. Municipal councils in France handle local matters such as urban planning, local taxes, public facilities, and community services. At the departmental level, Saint-Auban is represented in the Departmental Council of Alpes-Maritimes, which oversees matters including social services, road maintenance, and departmental spatial planning. The council is elected through canton-based elections, with councilors serving six-year terms. The regional level, above the department, provides another layer of coordination. The Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region encompasses Alpes-Maritimes and other departments in southeastern France, handling matters such as economic development, transportation planning, and environmental protection that require coordination across departmental boundaries. At the national level, Saint-Auban is represented in the National Assembly and Senate through the electoral system. The commune falls within the 8th constituency of Alpes-Maritimes for National Assembly elections and is represented by senators from the department in the Senate. ### Economic and Social Characteristics As a small commune, Saint-Auban's economy is likely centered on local services, agriculture, and potentially tourism, given the Alpes-Maritimes department's prominence as a tourist destination. The department is known for its agricultural products, including olives, wine, flowers, and citrus fruits, which are grown in the Mediterranean climate zones near the coast and in sheltered valleys. The broader Alpes-Maritimes department has a diverse economy that includes tourism (particularly along the Cannes-Antibes-Nice coastal strip), technology and innovation sectors in Sophia Antipolis, agriculture in the interior valleys, and traditional crafts and services in smaller communes. Saint-Auban participates in this regional economic ecosystem while maintaining its character as a smaller, more rural community. The commune's website at http://www.saint-auban.fr indicates that it maintains an online presence for municipal communication and services, reflecting the digital modernization of French local administration. This online presence allows residents to access information about local services, municipal decisions, and community events. ### Cultural and Community Life Communes in France serve as centers of local identity and community life, and Saint-Auban is no exception. French communes typically maintain public spaces, organize community events, and preserve local heritage. The commune system fosters a sense of local belonging and civic participation among residents. The Alpes-Maritimes department is known for its rich cultural heritage, including historical villages, religious monuments, and artistic traditions. The region has been inhabited since antiquity and contains numerous archaeological sites and historical buildings. Local festivals, markets, and traditions throughout the department reflect the Mediterranean culture of the region. As part of France, Saint-Auban participates in the national cultural framework that includes the French language as the official medium of communication, the national education system, and access to French cultural institutions. The national motto of "Liberté, égalité, fraternité" and the national anthem "La Marseillaise" represent the shared values that connect Saint-Auban to the broader French nation. ### Infrastructure and Services French communes are responsible for providing certain local infrastructure and services to their residents. These typically include municipal roads, water supply and sanitation (in some cases), local public spaces, primary schools (through the national education system), and municipal offices. Larger communes may provide additional services such as public transportation, cultural facilities, and social services. The department of Alpes-Maritimes maintains the departmental road network and provides coordination for services that exceed communal capacity. The regional government handles larger infrastructure projects including major transportation corridors and economic development initiatives. France's national infrastructure standards apply throughout the country, including in Saint-Auban. This means the commune operates within the national framework for electricity (230 volts, 50 Hz), road traffic (right-hand driving), telecommunications, and other technical standards. The international calling code for France is +33, and internet domains use the .fr top-level domain. ### Connection to Larger Entities Saint-Auban's existence as a commune connects it to the broader French state and its administrative structures. France itself is a founding member of the European Union (since 1957), a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council with veto power, and a member of NATO (since 1949). These international memberships affect the legal and political framework within which Saint-Auban operates. The commune system in France is unique in the world, representing a highly decentralized approach to local governance that coexists with strong central state institutions. This system allows for local adaptation while maintaining national coherence in policies ranging from spatial planning to social welfare. Saint-Auban also connects to the historical development of the French state, which traces its origins to the Treaty of Verdun in 843 AD (which established West Francia) and the proclamation of the First French Empire in 1804. The current Fifth Republic, established in 1958, provides the constitutional framework within which Saint-Auban and all other French communes operate today. ## References 1. Source 2. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018 3. INSEE code 4. [Source](https://archives06.fr/archives/archives/fonds/FRAD006_E-depot86) 5. répertoire géographique des communes 6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 7. Czech National Authority Database 8. Annuaire de service-public.fr 9. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017 10. Populations légales 2016 11. Populations légales 2017 12. Populations légales 2018 13. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602) 14. Populations légales 2019 15. Populations légales 2020 16. Populations légales 2021 17. Populations de référence 2022 18. Populations de référence 2023 19. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419) 20. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies 21. GeoNames 22. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z) 23. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z) 24. [Code officiel géographique. 2020](https://www.data.gouv.fr/fr/datasets/r/8442dfae-a878-49c6-be4c-20689b1c337c) 25. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)