As he has done for more than 20 years, the writer Michel Renaud has just released a new work. Supporting photos, he is interested in the history of his hometown and its transformation over the years. The author puts together around fifty clichés from yesterday and today and questions the evolution of the town, through the buildings, the shops, the transport, the place of nature, etc. Mr. Renaud is not nostalgic, but explains, recounts, observes, based on his research and carefully preserved documents. The former librarian professor offers a 128-page focus, during which he also brings to life the occupants of certain houses through their biography, whether he is a trader, cheese maker or photographer. An interesting journey through the decades, which immerses the reader in memories, but also which tells the story of the development of a territory over the years, which everyone will appreciate.
The editorial interview: Michel Renaud
Around fifteen cafes
Mr. Renaud remembers. Around fifty years ago, Frasne had many businesses and places to live. The buildings were sometimes demolished. More modern constructions have emerged. Sometimes cement was preferred to vegetation. In a century, the population has doubled, from 1,100 to more than 2,000 Fraignauds. However, social and commercial life has not followed this evolution. In the 1950s, around fifteen cafés enlivened the village center. Michel Renaud says that at that time, a business was set up on the street approximately every 50 meters in the center of the town. 70 years later, local life is very different. Hence the usefulness of this writing for understanding developments and the resulting political choices.
The editorial interview: Michel Renaud
Presidential fir trees
With a wealth of documentation, developed since his higher studies at the Faculty of Letters in Besançon, Michel Renaud is already refining his next work. Written by four hands, it will be released in 2025 and will focus on the president fir trees, the kings of our forests.
“Frasne from one century to the next” has been on sale since November 23. It is available in certain shops in the town (supermarket, cheese shop, press house), but also at the media library and in the three Pontissalian bookstores. It is also possible to order it from the author by calling 06.01.75.76.10
