ONLINE: What happened to French villages deserted by the rural exodus in the first half of the 20th century? In Provence, a few villagers refused to leave, and sometimes were successful in bringing back inhabitants, as described in "Regain," a novel by Jean Giono. Later on, artists, discovering the charm of hilltop villages and the luminosity of the area, settled there and brought fame to them. During the recent pandemic as many people began working remotely, some families left the big cities to settle in villages, looking for a slower pace of life and a healthy environment, creating the beginning of an urban exodus. Aware of this movement, some mayors are attracting newcomers by providing internet, coworking spaces, cultural activities and a sense of community. Throughout the course, we will discuss whether villages and small towns in the United States are experiencing the same problems, and whether the solutions provided by the French can be applied here. The course is taught in French. | Facilitated discussion.
Max enrollment: 12.
Class sessions are recorded.
