It's historic. According to the latest data published by INSEE, the Cantal department regained 173 inhabitants between 2021 and 2022. This had not happened for almost a century. This is very good news for municipalities which have gained residents, such as Lacapelle-del-Fraisse.
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In the schoolyard of the town of Lacapelle-del-Fraisse, in Cantal, André Vaurs already welcomes 45 children. Eight more should arrive at the start of the next school year. André Vaurs, mayor (without label), explains: “We are very proud because it means that we did our job. We have done our job of welcoming new populations. That's the challenge: you have to be there all the time. If someone comes to the town hall to look for land to build on, you should not tell them that you don't have any and that you have to go see someone else. This can't work. Today, when people want something, they want it right away.”.
So, André Vaurs gets busy. In 6 years, Lacapelle-del-Fraisse has gained 66 inhabitants and today has 402 citizens. Dylan and his family bought a house 3 years ago. Dylan Vernhet, new resident of the town, emphasizes: “It's relatively cheaper than elsewhere here. This made things easier for us. We have the advantage of having the school right next to the house. We have a doctor, a bar. We have all the advantages combined so it’s perfect”.
Houses and building land at very attractive prices, personalized support for future residents and a sense of welcome have transformed this small rural town in just a few years. The mayor continues: “This house sold not too long ago. The other one below too. Above, two new houses were quickly built. Many people who left the town say they are lost now, with all these houses. They tell us that they no longer recognize everyone. It's surprising. This is why, when we do the vows ceremony, we insist that the new arrivals attend, to get to know each other.”.
In Cantal, 89 municipalities, such as Lacapelle-del-Fraisse, saw their population increase. Between 2021 and 2022, the department gained 173 inhabitants, according to INSEE. It's not much but it's historic for the department. Bruno Faure, president (LR) of the Cantal Departmental Council, specifies: “We have been losing population for over 100 years and this is the first year that we find ourselves in positive territory, even if it is very slight. For many years, we have noticed that for net migration, between people who leave and those who arrive, we were largely positive. People choose Cantal. It's a good sign”.
According to the latest figures, Cantal has 144,399 inhabitants. A slight rebound which relaunches the objective of crossing 150,000 inhabitants by 2030.
