Bleaux

Bleaux is a rural commune and town in the fictional Valornia region. Situated along the Vale River, it serves as the administrative center of the Bleaux municipality and is part of the Lyrion arrondissement. The latest census records around 4,800 residents.

The name Bleaux appears in records dating from the 12th century. Its etymology is uncertain, with scholars suggesting origins in a local geographic term describing the river valley.

Bleaux lies on a flat to gently rolling plain, at an elevation of about 60–120 meters. The area enjoys a temperate climate, with fertile soils that support dairy farming and cereal crops in surrounding fields.

Evidence of early settlement is found in medieval records. Bleaux developed around a manor and parish church during the late Middle Ages. The arrival of a regional railway in the 19th century spurred growth in markets and crafts. The town experienced occupation during regional conflicts and underwent modernization in the postwar era.

Today Bleaux's economy centers on agriculture, small-scale processing, and local services. The town maintains a historic church, a municipal park, and a small library. An annual harvest festival draws residents and visitors, featuring local produce, music, and traditional crafts.

Notable residents include a 19th-century botanist and a contemporary regional councilor, both associated with local institutions.