Marith

Marith is a small commune located in the Drôme department of southeastern France, within the administrative jurisdiction of the Valence arrondissement and the canton of Valence-1. It lies at an altitude ranging from 250 to 520 metres above sea level, covering an area of approximately 12.3 square kilometres. The population, recorded in recent censuses, is around 120 residents, reflecting a tight-knit rural community characterised by a slow population decline common to many villages in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

The village centre hosts the Church of Saint‑Martin, a Romanesque structure that dates back to the 12th century. Its stone façade and surviving frescoes are considered local heritage landmarks. The surrounding landscape is dominated by traditional Mediterranean agriculture, with small-scale cultivation of lavender, walnuts, and olives, as well as modest dairy farms.

Marith is noted for its annual Lavender Festival, held each spring to celebrate the local produce that attracts visitors from neighbouring communes. The event features guided tours of the fields, markets selling artisanal goods, and regional music performances. As with many communes in the Drôme, the local economy remains largely based on small-scale agriculture and seasonal tourism. This blend of tradition and modest economic diversification underscores the unique character of Marith within the broader cultural tapestry of southeastern France.