poroit

Poroit is a small commune located in the Savoie department of the Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alps region in southeastern France. It lies within the valley of the Isère River, at an elevation ranging from 320 to 950 meters above sea level, and covers an area of approximately 5.4 square kilometres. The population was recorded as 312 residents in the 2018 census, reflecting a modest, close‑knit community that has experienced a gradual decline in population over the past decades, largely due to rural depopulation trends common throughout the Alps.

Historically, Poroit was established in the late Middle Ages as a pastoral settlement, taking advantage of the fertile valleys for livestock grazing and agricultural cultivation. The village's name is believed to derive from a local dialect term for “stream,” referencing the small brooks that feed into the Isère. In addition to traditional farming, the area is noted for the production of a distinctive goat cheese that has gained minor acclaim within regional culinary circles.

The commune is governed by a municipal council headed by a mayor elected for a six‑year term. It is part of the intercommunal structure of the Vallée de l'Isère, which coordinates economic development, tourism promotion, and environmental stewardship among neighbouring villages. Poroit remains a quintessential example of rural Alpine life, preserving historical architecture such as 17th‑century stone farmhouses and maintaining cultural practices tied to the surrounding landscape.