Saint-André-d'Huiriat is a small French commune located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of eastern France. It lies within the administrative boundaries of the Ain department, a part of the national system of local government. The community had an estimated population of about 497 people in 2006, and like many rural communes its population has remained small relative to urban areas.
Geography and characteristics
The commune consists of a compact village and surrounding agricultural land. Typical features include a parish church (the placename suggests a dedication to Saint Andrew), farmsteads, local roads connecting to nearby towns, and patches of woodland. The landscape and land use are characteristic of small settlements in Ain: mixed crop fields, pastures and locally oriented services.
History and name
The name Saint-André-d'Huiriat combines a saint's name with a local toponym; this pattern is common in French rural place names and usually reflects a historic parish dedication. While not widely known for major historical events, the village shares the long rural history of the region, shaped by agriculture, parish life and local administration.
Economy and daily life
Economic activity is largely rural: farming, small artisans, and services for residents. Some inhabitants commute to larger towns for work or education. Community life centers on the village amenities, local associations and municipal events typical of small French communes.
Administration and significance
As a commune it is the basic unit of local government, led by a mayor and municipal council and usually part of an intercommunal structure for shared services. For regional context see Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and for departmental information consult resources about Ain. General descriptions of French communes and departments are available through official sources and regional guides (department information).
Although small, Saint-André-d'Huiriat is representative of rural life in eastern France and contributes to the cultural and agricultural diversity of the eastern French countryside.