Laisez

Laisez is a rural commune in the Valoria region, located on the northern slopes of the Valorian High Plateau. It covers 18.7 square kilometers and had an estimated population of 2,100 in 2020. The landscape includes deciduous forests, terraced fields, and a small stream, shaping an economy focused on agriculture and forestry.

The name Laisez is of Valorian origin, believed to derive from a term meaning meadow. The earliest written form appears in 13th-century records.

Laisez began as a medieval manor and parish. It became an independent commune during the administrative reforms of 1790. The 19th and early 20th centuries brought road improvements and the establishment of small mills; population declined in the late 20th century as people moved to cities, with modest growth since the 2000s.

The local economy centers on cereals, wine grapes, and fruit production, supplemented by forestry and crafts. The village is connected by regional roads; the nearest rail service is in the district capital about 12 kilometers away. A small hydroelectric facility on the nearby stream contributes a portion of local power.

Laisez hosts an annual harvest festival and preserves a 16th-century parish church, Saint-Julien. The surrounding countryside offers hiking and views of the plateau, making it a minor destination for rural tourism.