# Saint-Privat

> commune in Ardèche, France

**Wikidata**: [Q155247](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q155247)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Privat,_Ardèche)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/saint-privat-q155247-2

## Summary

Saint-Privat is a commune located in the Ardèche department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southern France. It is situated in the canton of Vals-les-Bains and belongs to the arrondissement of Largentière, with coordinates at latitude 44.628611111111 and longitude 4.415. The commune has a historical population that has fluctuated over centuries, with records showing numbers ranging from 922 to 1,693 inhabitants across various census periods.

## Key Facts

- **Location**: Saint-Privat, Ardèche, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
- **Canton**: Vals-les-Bains
- **Department**: Ardèche (inception: March 4, 1790)
- **Arrondissement**: Largentière (also related: Privas)
- **Country**: France (inception: various dates including 843 AD via West Francia, 481 AD via Francia, and 1804 as First French Empire)
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 44.628611111111, Longitude 4.415
- **Website**: http://www.saint-privat-ardeche.fr
- **Wikipedia Title**: Saint-Privat, Ardèche
- **Wikidata Description**: commune in Ardèche, France
- **Sitelink Count**: 42
- **Population Records**: 1641, 1693, 1770, 1735, 1711, 922, 1018, 1129, 1359, 1427, 1540, 1607, 1688, 1664, 1667, 1664, 1663 (various historical census years)
- **Commune of France Inception**: 1789
- **Administrative Classification**: Territorial subdivision of France for municipalities

## FAQs

**What region and administrative division does Saint-Privat belong to?**

Saint-Privat is a commune in the Ardèche department, which is part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southern France. It falls within the canton of Vals-les-Bains and the arrondissement of Largentière.

**What is the geographic location of Saint-Privat?**

The commune is located at coordinates latitude 44.628611111111 and longitude 4.415, situated in the southern part of France within the Ardèche department known for its mountainous terrain and natural beauty.

**What type of administrative entity is Saint-Privat?**

Saint-Privat is a commune, which is the smallest territorial subdivision for municipalities in France. The commune as an administrative unit in France has existed since 1789.

**What is the population of Saint-Privat?**

Historical population records show fluctuations between 922 and 1,693 inhabitants across various census periods, reflecting changes in the commune's demographic history over time.

**What are the administrative relationships of Saint-Privat?**

Saint-Privat is connected to several administrative entities: it belongs to the canton of Vals-les-Bains, the department of Ardèche (established March 4, 1790), the arrondissement of Largentière, and ultimately to the country of France.

## Why It Matters

Saint-Privat represents a traditional French commune structure that serves as a fundamental unit of local governance in France. As part of the Ardèche department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, it contributes to the decentralized administrative organization of the French Republic. The commune system in France, which originated in 1789 during the French Revolution, provides local democratic representation and administrative services to residents. Saint-Privat's existence within this system connects it to a broader network of over 34,000 communes that collectively form the territorial foundation of French governance. The commune's website (http://www.saint-privat-ardeche.fr) indicates ongoing local administration and community presence. Its location in Ardèche places it in a department known for its natural landscapes, including the Ardèche Gorges and volcanic terrain, making it part of a region that attracts tourism and supports agricultural and outdoor recreational activities.

## Notable For

- Historical commune status dating back to the French administrative reorganization of 1789
- Location in the Ardèche department, part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region
- Part of the canton of Vals-les-Bains, connecting it to local administrative services
- Geographic coordinates placing it in the southern Alpine foothills of France
- Official website presence indicating active local governance

## Body

### Geography and Location

Saint-Privat is situated in the Ardèche department located in the southeastern part of France. The commune's precise geographic coordinates are latitude 44.628611111111 and longitude 4.415, positioning it within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Ardèche is known for its diverse topography, which includes mountainous areas, river valleys, and volcanic formations. The region attracts visitors for its natural beauty, including the famous Ardèche Gorges, hiking trails, and outdoor recreational opportunities.

### Administrative Structure

Saint-Privat operates as a commune, which is the French term for a municipality and the lowest level of administrative division in France. The commune system was established in 1789 during the French Revolution and remains a cornerstone of French local governance. Saint-Privat belongs to the canton of Vals-les-Bains, which serves as a constituency for elections and administrative coordination. The commune is also part of the arrondissement of Largentière, which is one of the administrative divisions responsible for certain governmental functions at the sub-departmental level. Additionally, the commune has connections to the arrondissement of Privas, which is the prefecture of Ardèche.

### Historical Context

The Ardèche department was established on March 4, 1790, during the early years of the French Revolution as part of the reorganization of France's administrative divisions. The commune of Saint-Privat has existed within this framework since its creation in 1789, when the commune system was formally established. France itself has a long political history, with origins dating back to the Treaty of Verdun in 843 AD, which established West Francia, and later the First French Empire proclaimed in 1804. The current French Republic operates under the Fifth Republic constitution established in 1958.

### Demographics and Population

Historical population data for Saint-Privat shows variation across multiple census periods, with figures recorded as: 1641, 1693, 1770, 1735, 1711, 922, 1018, 1129, 1359, 1427, 1540, 1607, 1688, 1664, 1667, 1664, and 1663. These numbers reflect demographic changes over time, likely influenced by economic conditions, migration patterns, and broader social changes in rural France. The fluctuations between peaks of over 1,600 and troughs below 1,000 suggest the commune experienced periods of growth and decline consistent with broader trends in rural French communities.

### Local Governance and Services

As a commune in the French administrative system, Saint-Privat is governed by a municipal council and mayor, providing local services to residents. The commune maintains an official website at http://www.saint-privat-ardeche.fr, indicating active local administration and communication with residents. The commune operates under the broader framework of French departmental and regional governance, receiving support and coordination from the Ardèche departmental council and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regional council.

### Regional Context

Saint-Privat is part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, one of 18 administrative regions in France. This region encompasses diverse geography from the Massif Central mountains in the west to the French Alps in the east. Ardèche specifically is known for its Mediterranean-influenced climate in lower elevations and more continental conditions in mountainous areas. The department's prefecture is Privas, while Largentière serves as the administrative center for the arrondissement that includes Saint-Privat. The canton of Vals-les-Bains, which includes Saint-Privat, is named after the town of Vals-les-Bains, known for its thermal springs and spa heritage.

### Connection to French Administrative Hierarchy

Saint-Privat exemplifies the nested structure of French territorial organization. At the top level is France, a semi-presidential republic and founding member of the European Union and United Nations Security Council. Below France are 18 administrative regions, including Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Below regions are 101 departments, including Ardèche. Below departments are arrondissements, including Largentière. Below arrondissements are cantons, including Vals-les-Bains. Finally, at the base level are communes, including Saint-Privat. This hierarchical structure provides local governance while maintaining national coordination.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
3. INSEE code
4. répertoire géographique des communes
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. Annuaire de service-public.fr
7. MusicBrainz
8. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
9. Populations légales 2016
10. Populations légales 2017
11. Populations légales 2018
12. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
13. Populations légales 2019
14. Populations légales 2020
15. Populations légales 2021
16. Populations de référence 2022
17. Populations de référence 2023
18. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
19. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
20. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
21. [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)
22. [Code officiel géographique. 2020](https://www.data.gouv.fr/fr/datasets/r/8442dfae-a878-49c6-be4c-20689b1c337c)
23. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)