Pellre

Pellre is a small commune located in the Alpes‑Maritimes department of southeastern France, near the Mediterranean coast. The town covers an area of roughly 9 square kilometres and had a population of about 1,200 residents according to the most recent census. Its geographical setting is characterised by gently rolling hills, vineyards, and forested areas that provide both agricultural land and natural scenery.

The origins of Pellre can be traced back to the Roman era, when the area was part of the extensive network of roads that facilitated trade between Marseille and inland settlements. During the Middle Ages the village was fortified, and a stone keep still stands on a hilltop overlooking the main road. In the early modern period Pellre became a centre of wool production, and many of its historic houses are built with the local stone.

Today, the economy of Pellre relies primarily on tourism, viticulture, and small‑scale artisanal manufacturing. The annual "Fête de la Vigne" festival attracts visitors from neighbouring regions with its wine tastings, music performances, and market stalls. The commune is also noted for its medieval abbey, which houses a collection of 16th‑century frescoes, and for the Pellre Natural Reserve, a protected area that preserves endemic plant species.

According to the national statistics office, the demographic profile of Pellre is gradually ageing, with a median age approaching 45 years, though recent development of holiday cabins has attracted younger families. Public services include a primary school, a community health centre, and a municipal library. Pellre has been a model for sustainable rural development in the Alpes‑Maritimes, implementing renewable energy projects and preserving the heritage of its historic core.