Saint-Erblon is a small rural commune in north‑west France, located in the Mayenne department within the Pays de la Loire region. Like other French communes it functions as the lowest level of local government and typically includes a central village and surrounding farmland. Basic demographic data records a population of 166 inhabitants in 1999, reflecting its character as a sparsely populated locality; more recent census figures should be consulted for current numbers. Commune status shapes local services and administration.
Location and geography
Saint‑Erblon lies in a gently rolling agricultural landscape characteristic of Mayenne. The commune is part of the broader regional network of villages and small towns that make up Pays de la Loire. Its setting is largely rural, with fields, hedgerows and small lanes rather than dense urban development. For broader context see the region and department pages: Pays de la Loire and Mayenne.
History and name
The place name Saint‑Erblon indicates an origin tied to a Christian dedication; many French villages take their names from local saints or parish churches. Documentary detail for very small communes can be sparse, but local archives and departmental histories provide the best sources for origins, medieval settlement, and changes over time. General historical overviews of the area are useful for understanding rural evolution in north‑west France. France level resources give national context.
Administration, population and services
As a commune, Saint‑Erblon is administered by a mayor and municipal council responsible for local planning, elementary services and community life. Small communes often cooperate with neighboring municipalities for schooling, waste collection and other services. The 1999 population figure (166) comes from census data; demographic trends in rural France have included both decline and stabilization depending on proximity to larger towns. For the original census reference see official data.
Economy and local life
The local economy is typically dominated by agriculture, small businesses and services supporting residents. Villages like Saint‑Erblon often host a parish church, a town hall, and communal events that mark seasonal rhythms. Natural and cultural landscapes contribute to local identity and attract visitors interested in rural tourism or family history research.
- Type: rural French commune (commune).
- Region: Pays de la Loire (link).
- Department: Mayenne (link).
- Population: 166 (1999 census) — see census source.
For readers seeking more detail, departmental archives and regional guides are the best next steps; national summaries provide wider administrative and demographic context within France.