“We are so good”: a big first, Cantal gains (a little) new inhabitants

Animals, nature as far as the eye can see, calm, affordable rents. For the family we interviewed in the video at the top of this article, there is no need to go to the farm for an educational outing. The chickens are in their garden. The family settled in Cantal two years ago. Conquered by the pure air of the countryside and the space, they have a hectare all to themselves. “It’s so good. You get up in the morning, you’re in front of your window. There are cows on one side, sheep grazing. It would never have been affordable, this big in the city, it’s more complicated”testifies the father of the family.

Villages that find inhabitants

And if they were able to settle here, it’s thanks to André. Mayor of this village for 43 years, he plays the real estate agent. “Here, for example, we made a subdivision of 5-6 houses to accommodate new people,” affirms the city councilor. Even in the rain, it manages to convince buyers. “For example here, you have a building plot which can be made available, which is very well placed. There are two others behind, over there, the same”, adds André. And the bet is a winner. In six years, this village of 400 inhabitants has gained 66. Particularly seniors, who have come to settle in this brand new residence. Pierrette has lived all her life in the Paris region.

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She didn’t hesitate for a second to pack her bags. “Here, I live again. So the terrace, already, that’s what attracted me”, smiles the retiree. At 90, she chose Cantal, far from pollution. This residence is full, as is the school which had to open a new class. The hope, for Cantal, of seeing its population continue to increase. According to the latest figures from INSEE, this is going in the right direction: the department has gained 173 inhabitants.