Senconac, commune in Ariège, France
Senconac is a tiny commune in the Pyrenees within Ariège department, situated at about 900 meters elevation on a mountain ridge. The village contains roughly 20 stone houses, including several old shepherd shelters called orrys, plus two historic communal washing areas that speak to its rural heritage.
The village reached its peak population of nearly 180 people in the 1800s before experiencing steep decline like many remote mountain settlements across France. This depopulation reflected broader migrations as residents moved away to find opportunities elsewhere.
The name Senconac reflects its deep roots in these mountains, where traditions of rural mountain life remain visible in the old stone buildings and shepherd shelters scattered across the land. Seasonal gatherings and local events show how the small community values togetherness despite its tiny population.
Reaching the village requires following a winding mountain road through forested areas before arrival at the village marker. Since only about 6 people live there year-round, visitors should bring supplies from nearby towns like Les Cabannes, and summer is the best season when roads are most accessible and weather remains mild.
The village became known in recent decades for having dwindled to just 6 permanent residents, making it one of the sparsest inhabited places in the region. However, two young couples have recently moved in, bringing fresh hope and showing that even the tiniest settlements can experience renewal.
Location: canton of Cabannes
Location: Ariège
Location: arrondissement of Foix
Elevation above the sea: 715 m
Industry: administration publique générale
Shares border with: Albiès, Caychax, Cazenave-Serres-et-Allens, Montferrier, Vèbre, Verdun
Address: 09250 Senconac, France
Phone: +33676513040
Email: mairie.senconac@gmail.com
GPS coordinates: 42.79861,1.71194
Latest update: December 7, 2025 15:17
France has some municipalities with extremely low populations, not exceeding 12 residents. These villages reflect the demographic shifts in rural France and provide insight into a lifestyle that has become rare. Rochefourchat in Drôme holds the record with just one inhabitant, while Aingoulaincourt in Haute-Marne has 11 residents spread over 510 hectares. These communities are spread across various regions, from Jura with Mérona and its eight residents to Alpes-de-Haute-Provence where Majastres is perched at 1,143 meters above sea level. In Drôme, La Bâtie-des-Fonds marks the source of the Drôme river at over 1,000 meters, while in Doubs, Châteauvieux-les-Fossés overlooks the Loue valley from its rocky promontory. There are also examples in the north, such as Épécamps in Somme with its red brick houses or Leménil-Mitry in Meurthe-et-Moselle.
Château de Gudanes
3.1 km
Pic de Saint-Barthélemy
5.3 km
Château de Lordat
3.9 km
Mont Fourcat
6.3 km
Pic de Soularac
6 km
Grotte de Fontanet
5.6 km
Église Saint-Julien
4.1 km
Église Saint-Blaise de Verdun
2 km
Église Saint-Laurent de Sinsat
4.5 km
Église Sainte-Marthe
4.8 km
Église d'Urs
3.3 km
Église Saint-Pierre d'Aston
4.1 km
Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Larcat
4.6 km
Église de la Nativité-de-Notre-Dame de Caychax
847 m
Église Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul de Vèbre
2.7 km
Église Saint-André de Garanou
4.5 km
Église de la Conversion-de-Saint-Paul d'Albiès
2.5 km
Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption de Lordat
4.1 km
Spoulga de Bouan
5.9 km
Les Cabannes war memorial
2.4 km
Église Saint-Martial des Cabannes
2.4 km
Église Saint-Jacques de Cazenave
5.8 km
Grotte de Sainte-Eulalie
6.3 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs de Château-Verdun
3.4 km
Pic de Soularac
6.1 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Neiges des Monts d'Olmes
5.8 km
Chapelle de Sourdeign de Pontillet
1.8 km
Chapelle Saint-Barthélemy de Larcat
4.9 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes