In the central city of the Papal enclave, the poverty rate reaches 26%, or six points more than the departmental average. Devastated by the end of the cardboard industry in the 90s, Valréas wants to move forward.
“I want to drink herbal tea on the terrace of the bistro but I'm not going to go there“, says Reine, morosely. At 81 years old, the retiree does not allow herself excesses. Behind her, Place Cardinal-Maury comes alive. It is Wednesday morning in Valréas, market day. At dawn month of November, no cloud tarnishes the azure blue sky of Provence The sun warms the fairgrounds who wait for customers while rubbing their hands.
“I'm just going to have two pieces of paella, my granddaughter is coming for lunch at noonadds the dressed lady. With three children, we have always been careful. Today it's harder. My husband died. Fortunately, I still drive to get out a little. Here, without a car, we do nothing. The day I can no longer, I will be in prison.“
With Grillon, Richerenches and Visan, Valréas is a portion of Vaucluse in Drôme, the enclave of the Popes. It can only be accessed by road (the nearest station is in Bollène, as is the A7). Bordered by vines and lavender, this rural area is attractive and preserved. Isolated, poor too. Like Avignon, Cavaillon, Carpentras or Apt, Valréas is in the top ten most disadvantaged municipalities in the area.
According to INSEE, the median income of residents in 2021 is below the departmental and national averages: €18,900 compared to €21,370 and €23,000. The city has five priority districts and the unemployment rate (12%) is almost twice that of France. In total, more than a quarter of the 9,000 Valréassians live below the poverty line: 26% exactly compared to 19.9% in Vaucluse and 15.3% in France.
“I'm saving money. Meat is once a week and I had to sell my car“, confides Djilali, 79 years old. The former mason and father of four children has a meager pension. With less than €700 per month, he counts on every euro.”Gasoline and maintenance had become too expensive. Now it's annoying to see a doctor. Because there are no more. I'm going to Orange or Avignon by ambulance“, he sighs, a bag of fresh vegetables in his hand.
