Under a clearing, Place La Fayette in the town center of Châteauroux was packed with people, with, among the many people present, elected officials, carrying white or pink roses. Some people wore t-shirts with otters, a reference to Matisse’s nickname given by his father Christophe Marchais.
Matisse’s parents stood at the head of the silent procession, behind a banner bearing the image of their son. The businesses were almost all closed and many had a photo of the teenager or an otter in their window. The need to do “something” became clear to Châteauroux catering professionals, explains Delphine Chambonneau, owner of the Albert Coffee shop, located in the town center.
Matisse was an apprentice cook at the CFA de l’Indre and his father owns a restaurant. “We all know each other. We all have a link with this family,” explains Delphine Chambonneau, while a t-shirt with the words “restaurateurs and cafe owners united in pain/Rest in peace Matisse” was made. The day of Sunday April 28, the day after the tragedy, was particularly difficult, she continues. “All the customers were starting to cry.”
Despite the call from Matisse’s father in particular to guard against any political exploitation, Friday evening, a small ultra-right group displayed banners in front of the town hall: “Justice for Matisse”, “French wake up”. According to the prefect of Indre, Thibault Lanxade, the operation was “very quick”. “There were around ten of them. They unfurled their banners and left.” The action was claimed by the small group “Animus Fortis” on its X account.
