Rochefourchat, located in the Drôme department, holds the title of France's smallest commune with a population of only two residents. Despite this minuscule population, the village has 11 registered voters, many of whom are seasonal residents yet actively participate in local governance. The upcoming municipal elections on March 15th will see these voters convene at the local town hall, where they will reelect the same mayor, Jean-Baptiste de Martigny, who humorously embraces the unique title of his village.

This election carries particular significance as it showcases the quirks of communal governance in very small municipalities. With Rochefourchat’s recent population doubling to two, it has tied with Leménil-Mitry for the title of France’s least populated commune. Interestingly, while the population count is low, the engagement of voters remains relatively robust with many currently serving on the municipal council, reinforcing local democracy in a unique context.

As municipal elections are held across France, Rochefourchat stands out not only for its size but also for the active involvement of its residents in local governance, which contrasts sharply with larger municipalities where voter turnout can be less enthusiastic. The humour of its mayor in navigating the peculiarities of running a commune with so few residents highlights how local traditions and identities thrive even in the most unconventional circumstances.