Leiret

Leiret is a small commune in the central part of its country. With a rural character, it covers about 7.9 square kilometers and has an estimated population of around 1,400 people.

The etymology of Leiret is uncertain. Local scholars suggest a link to a river crossing or to a family name from the medieval period.

Geographically, Leiret sits on gentle terrain between farmland and woodland. The landscape is bisected by a small stream and experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons.

The first written record of Leiret dates to the 12th century, mentioning a small manor and a parish church. Through the centuries it remained primarily agricultural, expanding modestly in the 19th and 20th centuries when roads improved and a few small industries were established.

The population has remained relatively stable in the 20th century, with a modest growth in recent years due to commuter residents. The community includes a primary school, a town hall, and a few local shops.

Agriculture is the traditional backbone, notably dairy farming and crops. Small-scale crafts, services, and rural tourism form secondary sectors.

Leiret hosts an annual harvest festival and a weekly market. The parish church dates to the 12th century and is a focal point of local life. The commune is connected by regional roads; the nearest railway station and major services are in a larger nearby town.

A few residents have gained regional recognition, including a 19th-century horticulturalist and a contemporary author who lived nearby.