# Saint-Péray

Saint-Péray (French pronunciation: ; Occitan: Sant Pèire d'Ai) is a commune in the Ardèche department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southern France. 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.
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
| 1793 | 1,559 | — |
| 1800 | 1,652 | +0.83% |
| 1806 | 1,528 | −1.29% |
| 1821 | 1,791 | +1.06% |
| 1831 | 2,321 | +2.63% |
| 1836 | 2,490 | +1.42% |
| 1841 | 2,485 | −0.04% |
| 1846 | 2,720 | +1.82% |
| 1851 | 2,584 | −1.02% |
| 1856 | 2,762 | +1.34% |
| 1861 | 2,680 | −0.60% |
| 1866 | 2,710 | +0.22% |
| 1872 | 2,521 | −1.20% |
| 1876 | 2,815 | +2.80% |
| 1881 | 2,658 | −1.14% |
| 1886 | 2,642 | −0.12% |
| 1891 | 2,555 | −0.67% |
| 1896 | 2,569 | +0.11% |
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
| 1901 | 2,603 | +0.26% |
| 1906 | 2,658 | +0.42% |
| 1911 | 2,587 | −0.54% |
| 1921 | 2,538 | −0.19% |
| 1926 | 2,595 | +0.45% |
| 1931 | 2,597 | +0.02% |
| 1936 | 2,634 | +0.28% |
| 1946 | 2,797 | +0.60% |
| 1954 | 3,168 | +1.57% |
| 1962 | 3,097 | −0.28% |
| 1968 | 3,592 | +2.50% |
| 1975 | 4,310 | +2.64% |
| 1982 | 5,196 | +2.71% |
| 1990 | 5,886 | +1.57% |
| 1999 | 6,502 | +1.11% |
| 2009 | 7,281 | +1.14% |
| 2014 | 7,494 | +0.58% |
| 2020 | 7,538 | +0.10% |
Source: EHESS and INSEE (1968-2020) :

## 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.