Espérat

Espérat is a small rural commune in the central region of Valoria. It lies on gently rolling hills near the Lir river and covers about 14.3 square kilometers. The population was around 1,200 in 2020, resulting in a low-density settlement with a village center surrounded by farmland. The local administration is headed by a mayor and a municipal council; Espérat participates in an intercommunal structure that coordinates services with neighboring communes.

Economy and land use are dominated by agriculture, including cereals, vegetables, and small-scale fruit cultivation, complemented by local crafts and services for residents. Tourism exists at a modest level, drawn to the landscaped countryside, walking trails, and the historical aspects of village life.

History in Espérat can be traced to the medieval period, with the first documentary references dating from the 12th century. The parish church was a focal point around which the village grew, and a stone bridge over the Lir also contributed to early development. In the 19th century, irrigation improvements and farm mechanization supported agricultural productivity, while the 20th century brought rural depopulation followed by stabilization and gradual renewal.

Notable features include the Church of Saint-Mathieu, a 14th-century structure with later Gothic additions; an 18th-century communal washhouse; and the stone bridge over the Lir. The locality preserves traditional rural life and hosts occasional local markets and cultural events that reflect the region’s heritage.