1870 only a minority of people in the area spoke (or even referred to themselves as) French. They spoke a Provençal-Occitan patois, similar to Catalan. 'Les français' were the incomers or the educated middle-class, who spoke French as their main language. There was also a cultural divide between the people of the Ardèche plateau (known as Padgels) and the valley inhabitants (known as a Royols). Economy In the nineteenth century the town hosted a number of water-powered silk mills. Iron-ore mining was also a major activity, in the Ouvèze valley to the west of Privas. But mining had declined to the point of extinction by the First World War and the silk industry was mostly extinct by the Second. The town used to be linked to the main railway system by a branch line railway, and there were tramways to both Aubenas and Le Pouzin. These rail communications no longer exist. Privas's most famous products today are sugared chestnuts. A little wine is also produced in the area. As a town and a préfecture, many people are employed as administrators. But local employment in the préfecture has been declining since the 1990s because of the amalgamation of many services within the Ardèche and Drôme départements. Tourism is a more vibrant sector for employment. Tourism Privas has hotel accommodation, gîtes and camping sites. There are many local walks and other recreational activities. It is also a noted area for fossils. Situated with easy access to both the Rhône Valley and the Ardèche Gorges, tourist activity is increasing in the district. Population Personalities The French historian and Trotskyist Pierre Broué was born in Privas. The French footballer Cyril Théréau was born in Privas. The writer Dominique Dunois (1876–1959), winner of the 1928 edition of the Prix Femina, died in Privas. The Huguenots Marie Durand and her brother Pierre were born in Le Bouchet just north of Privas International relations Privas is twinned with: Tortona, Italy Weilburg, Germany Wetherby, United Kingdom Zevenaar, Netherlands See also Communes of the Ardèche department References External links Official website Communes of Ardèche Prefectures in France Vivarais Ardèche communes articles needing translation from French Wikipedia