
While France has a population of over 68 million, it also has more communes than any other country in Europe. So, far from the hustle and bustle of the capital and its 2.1 million inhabitants, there are many communes with just a hundred or ten souls, or even less. Without further ado, here are the 3 most sparsely populated villages in France.
Pommerol (Drôme) : 5 inhabitants
Right in the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, France’s third most sparsely populated village can be found. Like many such communes, Pommerol has seen a steady decline in its population. While it numbered almost 200 souls at the end of the 18th century, this small town nestled in the mountains now boasts just 5.
Caubous (Haute-Garonne): 4 inhabitants
Although a few houses and a church are part of Caubous, this village in the Occitanie region is almost abandoned, so much so that only four inhabitants have it as their main residence. With its stone houses and surrounding mountains, Caubous remains a haven of peace for its inhabitants.
Rouvroy-Ripont (Marne): 3 inhabitants
For France’s most sparsely populated village, we turn to the Grand Est region and the Marne département, home to the commune of Rouvroy-Ripont. With just three inhabitants, it is officially France’s least populated commune. Comprising a church, a town hall and a farm, it covers an area of almost 11 km2.
So much for France’s least populated villages. According to Insee, France’s population continues to grow, but the demographic dynamic is currently twice as marked in urban areas as in rural ones. Furthermore, the French Ministry of the Economy reports that 21,000 communes in France, representing 62% of the country’s towns, are currently devoid of any retail outlets.