PATRI-PART!
Vallières les Grandes partage son patrimoine
Since 2022, Vallières-les-Grandes has been reimagining its riverbanks as a community-based, natural public space. A participatory process shaped this transformation, balancing social inclusion, biodiversity, and cultural life. With new leisure areas, a guinguette, and cyclist-friendly facilities, the project fosters well-being and sustainability, embodying a rural version of values of the New European Bauhaus with its motto claiming for “living, shared public spaces”!
France
Avenue de Verdun 41400 Vallières-les-Grandes
Prototype level
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
41267: Vallières-les-Grandes (FR)
Since 2022, the Mairie of Vallières-les-Grandes has been carrying out an ambitious project to enhance the public spaces adjacent to the local river Amasse, with the aim of providing permanent and temporary users with a setting conducive to the creation of social links. The project is called “Vallières-les-Grandes shares its heritage”
With the support of the Conseil d'architecture, d'urbanisme et de l'environnement (CAUE) of the Loire et Cher department, a participative process was launched to involve the residents in shaping the foundations of the project.
A first phase of the lighter works was carried out in May and June 2023 introduced various installations that were met with great enthusiasm, particularly among young residents from both the commune and surrounding areas. The site also hosted the second youth festival organized by the Communauté de communes Val de Cher Controis, further reinforcing the project's success. This positive reception confirmed the value of expanding the initiative, including plans to renovate the pond’s pontoon into a guinguette.
SATIVA development firm was in 2023 entrusted with the monitoring of the project. Specifications were defined in dialogue with the local population and drawn up by the CAUE. Priority was given to respecting the natural appearance of the bottom of the pond, enhancing the springs, and ecologically upgrading the Amasse’s banks. New cross-generational activities are planned, including a boules pitch and table tennis. Toilets, a weather shelter and a self-service bicycle workshop will be provided in response to the sharp increase in the number of users of the Chaumont sur Loire / Chenonceaux section of the Loire à Vélo.
This project will improve local and temporary residents well-being by improving accessibility and attractivity of municipality's outdoor public spaces, while preserving and enhancing the richness of this wetland ecosystem, in full alignment with the philosophy of the NEB.
With the support of the Conseil d'architecture, d'urbanisme et de l'environnement (CAUE) of the Loire et Cher department, a participative process was launched to involve the residents in shaping the foundations of the project.
A first phase of the lighter works was carried out in May and June 2023 introduced various installations that were met with great enthusiasm, particularly among young residents from both the commune and surrounding areas. The site also hosted the second youth festival organized by the Communauté de communes Val de Cher Controis, further reinforcing the project's success. This positive reception confirmed the value of expanding the initiative, including plans to renovate the pond’s pontoon into a guinguette.
SATIVA development firm was in 2023 entrusted with the monitoring of the project. Specifications were defined in dialogue with the local population and drawn up by the CAUE. Priority was given to respecting the natural appearance of the bottom of the pond, enhancing the springs, and ecologically upgrading the Amasse’s banks. New cross-generational activities are planned, including a boules pitch and table tennis. Toilets, a weather shelter and a self-service bicycle workshop will be provided in response to the sharp increase in the number of users of the Chaumont sur Loire / Chenonceaux section of the Loire à Vélo.
This project will improve local and temporary residents well-being by improving accessibility and attractivity of municipality's outdoor public spaces, while preserving and enhancing the richness of this wetland ecosystem, in full alignment with the philosophy of the NEB.
Rurality
Nature
Citizenship
Leisure
Slow tourism
Our sustainability objectives address several complementary, even interdependent areas: preservation of the living environment (human and non-human), mobility and sustainable tourism.
The site stands out for the quality of its landscape, with the natural presence of the Masse stream and the municipal pond, which was developed in the 1980s. One of the main aims of the project is therefore to create landscape continuity. The municipality wishes to protect and enhance these landscapes and unique ecosystems. It intends to achieve this objective by making restrained development choices that are respectful of ecosystems, make the most of what already exists while allowing for maximum accessibility. For example, the renovation of an old pontoon transformed into a "guinguette", allowing residents to enjoy the site respectfully while raising awareness of the fragility of the wetland’s ecosystems. The setting is ideal for the educational activities run by the river association and the fishing federation.
One of the main aims of the project is also to improve the visibility of the site through soft mobility, for both regular and occasional users. To do so, the municipality has integrated its approach into a broader logic: it made sure that the site was properly connected to the “Loire à vélo” cycle route, a strong regional landmark and a key lever for slower, more sustainable tourism. Particular attention has been paid to developing pedestrian and cycle routes that are both safe and comfortable, inviting visitors to explore the site.
To conclude, at the heart of the project is a thoughtful process to understand and adapt to the site's ecosystem, while guaranteeing its accessibility for both everyday use and tourism. This integrated approach is even more exemplary given the specific attractivity and mobility challenges posed in rural areas. Deploying it will upscale the outreach of Vallières natural heritage while ensuring the preservation of these ecosystems.
The site stands out for the quality of its landscape, with the natural presence of the Masse stream and the municipal pond, which was developed in the 1980s. One of the main aims of the project is therefore to create landscape continuity. The municipality wishes to protect and enhance these landscapes and unique ecosystems. It intends to achieve this objective by making restrained development choices that are respectful of ecosystems, make the most of what already exists while allowing for maximum accessibility. For example, the renovation of an old pontoon transformed into a "guinguette", allowing residents to enjoy the site respectfully while raising awareness of the fragility of the wetland’s ecosystems. The setting is ideal for the educational activities run by the river association and the fishing federation.
One of the main aims of the project is also to improve the visibility of the site through soft mobility, for both regular and occasional users. To do so, the municipality has integrated its approach into a broader logic: it made sure that the site was properly connected to the “Loire à vélo” cycle route, a strong regional landmark and a key lever for slower, more sustainable tourism. Particular attention has been paid to developing pedestrian and cycle routes that are both safe and comfortable, inviting visitors to explore the site.
To conclude, at the heart of the project is a thoughtful process to understand and adapt to the site's ecosystem, while guaranteeing its accessibility for both everyday use and tourism. This integrated approach is even more exemplary given the specific attractivity and mobility challenges posed in rural areas. Deploying it will upscale the outreach of Vallières natural heritage while ensuring the preservation of these ecosystems.
We are fortunate to have a site with an already magnificent natural setting. In addition to sustainability, the main objectives in aesthetic terms include improving the site's visibility and redesigning it to encourage users to take ownership of it, to strengthen their sense of belonging to the community.
The current design of the entrances to the areas concerned is indeed not representative of their quality. Works are therefore planned on these aspects, aiming for pedestrians to prefer the trail through the gardens to get to the school, rather than walking along the main road.
On the site itself, the new facilities have been designed based on the existing ones: dry stone walls have been preserved, small heritage features will be conserved and restored. All of these "details" will contribute to the overall visual ambience of the village, characterised by the 12th-century church and the early 20th-century town hall. This approach aligns with our objective of landscape continuity, valid from an architectural point of view as well as natural.
Playing around the presence of water on site in its various forms is another important aesthetic aspect of the project. The local pond is very popular with users. The Masse stream, a major landscape asset, plays a central role in the redevelopment planning. For example, it is considered to rely on plant engineering to stabilise the riverbank, as an alternative to previous, less aesthetic repairs. Citizens will also be invited to participative works meant to create a water space with a aesthetic similar to Japanese gardens.
In a nutshell, the creation of spaces that meet the current and future needs of residents is a key aspect of the project. The guinguette is a prime example of this, allowing activities to be organised in a new, high-quality and safe setting. The municipality has clearly demonstrated its desire to offer residents a place with room for evolution that can be adapted to suit their initiatives.
The current design of the entrances to the areas concerned is indeed not representative of their quality. Works are therefore planned on these aspects, aiming for pedestrians to prefer the trail through the gardens to get to the school, rather than walking along the main road.
On the site itself, the new facilities have been designed based on the existing ones: dry stone walls have been preserved, small heritage features will be conserved and restored. All of these "details" will contribute to the overall visual ambience of the village, characterised by the 12th-century church and the early 20th-century town hall. This approach aligns with our objective of landscape continuity, valid from an architectural point of view as well as natural.
Playing around the presence of water on site in its various forms is another important aesthetic aspect of the project. The local pond is very popular with users. The Masse stream, a major landscape asset, plays a central role in the redevelopment planning. For example, it is considered to rely on plant engineering to stabilise the riverbank, as an alternative to previous, less aesthetic repairs. Citizens will also be invited to participative works meant to create a water space with a aesthetic similar to Japanese gardens.
In a nutshell, the creation of spaces that meet the current and future needs of residents is a key aspect of the project. The guinguette is a prime example of this, allowing activities to be organised in a new, high-quality and safe setting. The municipality has clearly demonstrated its desire to offer residents a place with room for evolution that can be adapted to suit their initiatives.
The ultimate aim of the project, towards which all objectives converge, is to offer users a place fostering social ties. To ensure that everyone is included, particular emphasis is placed on accessibility, intergenerational exchanges and on shared governance.
The soft mobility routes are designed to facilitate accessibility for all, including people with reduced mobility. Wood decking has thus been chosen for the path’s materials, to avoid trampling of the wetland while allowing inclusive access to all the areas.
The intergenerational dimension also features prominently in the project. It intersects with issues of accessibility for seniors while not limiting to them. It has, for example, influenced the choice of delimitations around the children's area, with a choice of edible hedges guaranteeing both the playfulness of the area and the safety of the youngest children in relation to the pond. Consideration is also being given to incorporating adult-friendly infrastructure into the play area, in the firm belief that play is a powerful vehicle for intergenerational interaction.
The infrastructure of the areas has been chosen to encourage a convivial atmosphere, whether informal (self-service barbecues, guinguette), sporting (fishing) or cultural (open-air cinema areas). In line with this objective, the governance of these areas will be as self-managed as possible. The emphasis is on free appropriation of the site, encouraged by the modular approach to development which leaves room for the unexpected and for change. The Mairie intends to expand the local tradition of free access (embodied since 1980 with free fishing rights in the pond), by relying on citizens empowerment and accountability. For example, the shared storage room for associations will operate with a coded door, and as for the timetable for the use of the areas, the Mairie only wishes to interfere if necessary and clearly requested by the stakeholders themselves.
The soft mobility routes are designed to facilitate accessibility for all, including people with reduced mobility. Wood decking has thus been chosen for the path’s materials, to avoid trampling of the wetland while allowing inclusive access to all the areas.
The intergenerational dimension also features prominently in the project. It intersects with issues of accessibility for seniors while not limiting to them. It has, for example, influenced the choice of delimitations around the children's area, with a choice of edible hedges guaranteeing both the playfulness of the area and the safety of the youngest children in relation to the pond. Consideration is also being given to incorporating adult-friendly infrastructure into the play area, in the firm belief that play is a powerful vehicle for intergenerational interaction.
The infrastructure of the areas has been chosen to encourage a convivial atmosphere, whether informal (self-service barbecues, guinguette), sporting (fishing) or cultural (open-air cinema areas). In line with this objective, the governance of these areas will be as self-managed as possible. The emphasis is on free appropriation of the site, encouraged by the modular approach to development which leaves room for the unexpected and for change. The Mairie intends to expand the local tradition of free access (embodied since 1980 with free fishing rights in the pond), by relying on citizens empowerment and accountability. For example, the shared storage room for associations will operate with a coded door, and as for the timetable for the use of the areas, the Mairie only wishes to interfere if necessary and clearly requested by the stakeholders themselves.
In this project, the Mairie positioned itself as a facilitator between users and professionals. The involvement of citizens and associations is therefore the backbone of the project, from its design through to its governance, including some of the development work.
The CAUE deployed a wide public participative program as the basis for the project, organising workshops to gather citizens and their ideas. One of the structuring impacts of this process was the selection of light infrastructures, sparsely distributed, to respect the inhabitants ‘wish to preserve the rurality of the site, key to their sense of place. Regular reviews of the project's progress are held with residents to ensure their approval at every stage.
Numerous discussions have taken place with various associations to ensure that the infrastructure is suitable for their specialised activities, leading for instance to planning self-service bike tools for cyclists. The impact of their involvement is reflected in the synergy of the project with existing initiatives, pillars of the community.
The creation of intergenerational social links is the ultimate aim of this project, why wait for it to be delivered? The Mairie, together with the project management team, is offering residents the chance to get involved in the work from this spring onwards, through participatory projects such as the creation of benjes hedges or of a water garden, perfect opportunities to encourage the creativity of young and old alike who will be able to shape the spaces according to their vision.
Small local authorities have very limited (human) resources. The Mairie de Vallières has turned this weakness into a strength by incentivizing residents to play a key role. The impact of their involvement is thus structuring. It goes as far as anticipating the development so that the project retains its potential to evolve along its current and future users’ ambitions.
The CAUE deployed a wide public participative program as the basis for the project, organising workshops to gather citizens and their ideas. One of the structuring impacts of this process was the selection of light infrastructures, sparsely distributed, to respect the inhabitants ‘wish to preserve the rurality of the site, key to their sense of place. Regular reviews of the project's progress are held with residents to ensure their approval at every stage.
Numerous discussions have taken place with various associations to ensure that the infrastructure is suitable for their specialised activities, leading for instance to planning self-service bike tools for cyclists. The impact of their involvement is reflected in the synergy of the project with existing initiatives, pillars of the community.
The creation of intergenerational social links is the ultimate aim of this project, why wait for it to be delivered? The Mairie, together with the project management team, is offering residents the chance to get involved in the work from this spring onwards, through participatory projects such as the creation of benjes hedges or of a water garden, perfect opportunities to encourage the creativity of young and old alike who will be able to shape the spaces according to their vision.
Small local authorities have very limited (human) resources. The Mairie de Vallières has turned this weakness into a strength by incentivizing residents to play a key role. The impact of their involvement is thus structuring. It goes as far as anticipating the development so that the project retains its potential to evolve along its current and future users’ ambitions.
Talking about the issue of the limited resources of small municipalities, the project clearly highly benefited from the strong implication of local, regional and national stakeholders.
On an inter-municipality scale, the presence of infrastructure for cyclists in the project led to its inclusion in the cycling master plan of the Communauté de communes Val de Cher Controis, which also supports the project through cultural and educational activities.
At departmental level, the project benefited from the support of the CAUE from the beginning, which carried out the initial studies and co-organised the consultation process. The department's involvement can also be seen in the links made between the project and the departmental cycle tourism plan, which should lead to a new route between Chaumont and Montrichard, with Vallières on this itinerary.
At regional level, the Centre-Val de Loire Region is involved in the project through its policy of Regional Solidarity Contracts, in which the principle of permanent democracy plays a central role. The Vallières project has also been identified by the Region as being particularly aligned with the values of the New European Bauhaus and will be included in the work on appropriating the NEB initiated by the Regional Council in early 2025.
On a national scale, the project's ambitions in terms of sustainability have attracted the attention of ADEME, which has awarded it a grant.
The exemplary nature of the project and the structuring dimension of its impact on residents and attractivity have facilitated the involvement of all stakeholders at different levels, creating a leverage effect on the design and implementation of the initiative.
Our application to this call is part of our desire to continue to mobilise this leverage effect, right up to European level. This ambition is in line with our continuous improvement approach to maximise its transformation potential.
On an inter-municipality scale, the presence of infrastructure for cyclists in the project led to its inclusion in the cycling master plan of the Communauté de communes Val de Cher Controis, which also supports the project through cultural and educational activities.
At departmental level, the project benefited from the support of the CAUE from the beginning, which carried out the initial studies and co-organised the consultation process. The department's involvement can also be seen in the links made between the project and the departmental cycle tourism plan, which should lead to a new route between Chaumont and Montrichard, with Vallières on this itinerary.
At regional level, the Centre-Val de Loire Region is involved in the project through its policy of Regional Solidarity Contracts, in which the principle of permanent democracy plays a central role. The Vallières project has also been identified by the Region as being particularly aligned with the values of the New European Bauhaus and will be included in the work on appropriating the NEB initiated by the Regional Council in early 2025.
On a national scale, the project's ambitions in terms of sustainability have attracted the attention of ADEME, which has awarded it a grant.
The exemplary nature of the project and the structuring dimension of its impact on residents and attractivity have facilitated the involvement of all stakeholders at different levels, creating a leverage effect on the design and implementation of the initiative.
Our application to this call is part of our desire to continue to mobilise this leverage effect, right up to European level. This ambition is in line with our continuous improvement approach to maximise its transformation potential.
Architecture, landscaping, education, public services, economy, sport, leisure, heritage and food culture were all taken into account in the design and implementation of our project. We also benefited from the generational and gender balance among the core team and the citizens involved.
The support of the CAUE in the design phase of the project was key. We benefited from their multi-disciplinary expertise in supporting small local authorities, which included architecture and landscaping, as well as participation methods to mobilize citizens to express their ideas. This process also made it possible to mobilise the local expertise of our citizens, whether in terms of their knowledge of the environment and the ecosystem around the pond (particularly among fishermen and women) or their sensitive perception of what characterises the aesthetics of the site (strongly linked to rurality).
Sativa Paysage, selected to manage the project, contributed with its urban planning and ecological expertise. Their extensive experience in the redevelopment of rural public spaces is a key asset to the sustainability and feasibility of the project.
The Sativa team also includes an independent architect, Ivan Rho, who specialises in bio-sourced materials. Her involvement was a guarantee of the quality of the infrastructures and their minimal impact on the site's ecosystems.
It is the extensive involvement of the public which opened a space for dialogue between all players: One concrete example is the public meeting at which the roles were defined for the work between the Mairie, the service providers and the citizens. Dialogue took place to identify the best compromises that would meet the public's desires and ambitions in terms of sustainability, aesthetics and inclusion, according to feasibility constraints. The main added value of this process lies in the emulation produced, fostering a sense of belonging and giving meaning to the project for all stakeholders involved
The support of the CAUE in the design phase of the project was key. We benefited from their multi-disciplinary expertise in supporting small local authorities, which included architecture and landscaping, as well as participation methods to mobilize citizens to express their ideas. This process also made it possible to mobilise the local expertise of our citizens, whether in terms of their knowledge of the environment and the ecosystem around the pond (particularly among fishermen and women) or their sensitive perception of what characterises the aesthetics of the site (strongly linked to rurality).
Sativa Paysage, selected to manage the project, contributed with its urban planning and ecological expertise. Their extensive experience in the redevelopment of rural public spaces is a key asset to the sustainability and feasibility of the project.
The Sativa team also includes an independent architect, Ivan Rho, who specialises in bio-sourced materials. Her involvement was a guarantee of the quality of the infrastructures and their minimal impact on the site's ecosystems.
It is the extensive involvement of the public which opened a space for dialogue between all players: One concrete example is the public meeting at which the roles were defined for the work between the Mairie, the service providers and the citizens. Dialogue took place to identify the best compromises that would meet the public's desires and ambitions in terms of sustainability, aesthetics and inclusion, according to feasibility constraints. The main added value of this process lies in the emulation produced, fostering a sense of belonging and giving meaning to the project for all stakeholders involved
Our municipality accounts for 944 inhabitants. On this small scale, it is not necessarily common in redevelopment projects to deploy a truly formalised and ambitious citizen participation process, going as far as involving citizens themselves in the works. In the end, our main innovation comes from our choice to leave a great deal of room for sensitivity, uncertainty and trust in the expertise and responsibility of citizens. One could say that it is more of a remobilization of ancient principles such as rural solidarity and autonomy. We are happy to put again this principle at the center of a project to maximize its adaptation potential regarding the environmental and societal challenges ahead.
The initiative also stands out for the position chosen by the Mairie within the project : although it took a back seat in the actual definition of the project to give residents free rein to express their views and shape the project in their own image, it was involved via its municipal services in the construction of the infrastructure, thus occupying a more important place than usual alongside the contracting authority.
The innovative aspect of the project also comes from the technical choices made concerning the architecture and composition of the infrastructure, to ensure that it is as environmentally friendly as possible. The project site is not without its constraints: a fragile ecosystem, the presence of a pond and the need to secure its surroundings, and so on. Innovative solutions therefore had to be identified to ensure that the site remained as pleasant as possible for everyone, while complying with technical and regulatory constraints. This led for instance to the idea of using edible flowerbeds to delineate the play area from the pond, and to explore innovative plant engineering techniques to stabilise the riverbank.
In short, it was all our constraints (technical, in terms of resources, etc.) that led us to innovate.
The initiative also stands out for the position chosen by the Mairie within the project : although it took a back seat in the actual definition of the project to give residents free rein to express their views and shape the project in their own image, it was involved via its municipal services in the construction of the infrastructure, thus occupying a more important place than usual alongside the contracting authority.
The innovative aspect of the project also comes from the technical choices made concerning the architecture and composition of the infrastructure, to ensure that it is as environmentally friendly as possible. The project site is not without its constraints: a fragile ecosystem, the presence of a pond and the need to secure its surroundings, and so on. Innovative solutions therefore had to be identified to ensure that the site remained as pleasant as possible for everyone, while complying with technical and regulatory constraints. This led for instance to the idea of using edible flowerbeds to delineate the play area from the pond, and to explore innovative plant engineering techniques to stabilise the riverbank.
In short, it was all our constraints (technical, in terms of resources, etc.) that led us to innovate.
Two fundamental principles have guided the Mairie and therefore influenced all stakeholders in defining the initiative's methodology.
The first was pragmatism, reflected in the fact that the project is developed in progressive, conditionnal phases, on the basis of a wide-ranging study and a adaptive funding plan. The aim was to guarantee the feasibility and sustainability of the project over the long term, and to ensure that the commitments made were fulfilled, step by step.
At each key stage of the project (launching, outline plans, works) there was or will be a dialogue with all relevant stakeholders, based on detailed studies allowing to project themselves into what could be possible. The work itself was planned in two phases. The timetable was designed to avoid disrupting the life of the local community: each year, the goat's cheese festival, a strong marker of the area's identity, is held on the project site. The work that will begin in April 2025 will be then put on hold in August, so progress targets have been set to ensure that the site is welcoming during this period, before work resumes in September 2025.
The second principle is the flexibility of the framework secured by the Mairie as a facilitator. True to its raison d'être, it supports the creation of a framework conducive to the development of the project and provides support using public resources, encouraging collaboration between the various players in the area. It has encouraged them to explore potential pooling of their respective projects, considering what already exists. These incentives are formulated during informal one-to-one discussions or during the formal time slots dedicated to the citizen participation process.
This gradual, iterative approach also leaves room for new prospects for expanding the project, should the Mairie be able to acquire new areas (particularly woodland), while making happen in the short term what is already feasible.
The first was pragmatism, reflected in the fact that the project is developed in progressive, conditionnal phases, on the basis of a wide-ranging study and a adaptive funding plan. The aim was to guarantee the feasibility and sustainability of the project over the long term, and to ensure that the commitments made were fulfilled, step by step.
At each key stage of the project (launching, outline plans, works) there was or will be a dialogue with all relevant stakeholders, based on detailed studies allowing to project themselves into what could be possible. The work itself was planned in two phases. The timetable was designed to avoid disrupting the life of the local community: each year, the goat's cheese festival, a strong marker of the area's identity, is held on the project site. The work that will begin in April 2025 will be then put on hold in August, so progress targets have been set to ensure that the site is welcoming during this period, before work resumes in September 2025.
The second principle is the flexibility of the framework secured by the Mairie as a facilitator. True to its raison d'être, it supports the creation of a framework conducive to the development of the project and provides support using public resources, encouraging collaboration between the various players in the area. It has encouraged them to explore potential pooling of their respective projects, considering what already exists. These incentives are formulated during informal one-to-one discussions or during the formal time slots dedicated to the citizen participation process.
This gradual, iterative approach also leaves room for new prospects for expanding the project, should the Mairie be able to acquire new areas (particularly woodland), while making happen in the short term what is already feasible.
The municipality of Vallières les Grandes relies on the traditional participatory culture of the local population. Although this culture differs from one area to another, the methodology used by the municipality could benefit other municipalities with similar contexts. Many rural municipalities are affected by budget restrictions at all levels. Rural areas also facing the dual challenge of an ageing local population and of an arrival of new temporary residents from the metropolises looking for a quality holiday or weekend experience.
With its principle of one step at a time, the methodology deployed in this initiative is particularly beneficial to the operation of small communities, preserving the stability of their resources (whether financial or natural) while enabling the implementation of ambitious projects, factors of attractivity, unity and greater social trust.
We consider that the principles and methodological pillars of our initiative are exactly in line with those of the New European Bauhaus. Replicating it will also provide a dual opportunity to demonstrate both the potential for innovation and ecological and social transformation of the rural municipalities, and the relevance of the NEB initiative for developing such projects in a very rural context.
Beyond rurality contexts, replicating our initiative methodology could also benefit municipalities at a larger scale or in more urbanized settings, by putting at the center the idea of citizen expertise and accountability. It always seems a bit risky because of the necessary uncertainty component, but with the proper safeguards, our initiative really demonstrated the leverage potential of this concept for public projects. Citizens resources and creativity are not only valuable to the quality of the project itself by thinking out of the box, they also improve high ambitions feasibility.
With its principle of one step at a time, the methodology deployed in this initiative is particularly beneficial to the operation of small communities, preserving the stability of their resources (whether financial or natural) while enabling the implementation of ambitious projects, factors of attractivity, unity and greater social trust.
We consider that the principles and methodological pillars of our initiative are exactly in line with those of the New European Bauhaus. Replicating it will also provide a dual opportunity to demonstrate both the potential for innovation and ecological and social transformation of the rural municipalities, and the relevance of the NEB initiative for developing such projects in a very rural context.
Beyond rurality contexts, replicating our initiative methodology could also benefit municipalities at a larger scale or in more urbanized settings, by putting at the center the idea of citizen expertise and accountability. It always seems a bit risky because of the necessary uncertainty component, but with the proper safeguards, our initiative really demonstrated the leverage potential of this concept for public projects. Citizens resources and creativity are not only valuable to the quality of the project itself by thinking out of the box, they also improve high ambitions feasibility.
The key challenge the initiative is targeting is the disintegration of social bonds, embodied in the trends of population and individuals withdrawing into themselves. Getting people to live together geographically is not enough to bring them together as a community. To address this challenge, all tracks must be explored: culture, sport, economics, all areas of life in general. We firmly believe it can be achieved at our local level through a conducive setting such as a public space designed for and with the population.
Developing a sense of community, especially in a rural context, is essential for citizens’ well-being, especially the elderly, more exposed to isolation. Thus, this project is also a response from the Mairie to the demographic challenges. By opening high-quality leisure facilities, designed to encourage a mix between generations as well as between existing and new residents, the project counterbalances locally demographic imbalances.
Emphasis has been placed on preserving the evolving nature of the project over the long term. The project's agility has also been designed in response to the environmental and climatic challenges, which are increasingly characterised by their unpredictability and acceleration. Ensuring that all residents, regardless of age or physical condition, have access to safe, high-quality outdoor public spaces remains a key issue, even in the countryside. It is also a mental health issue.
Identifying the challenge of building social links from the very beginning of the project has ultimately had the virtuous effect of making it a polymorphous project, addressing on its own scale a range of key challenges. By combining sense of place, preservation of ecosystems, adaptation to local needs and the development of slower tourism, the Mairie will continue to work alongside residents to meet these challenges head on at local level, complementary to the global efforts carried by regional, national, and European authorities.
Developing a sense of community, especially in a rural context, is essential for citizens’ well-being, especially the elderly, more exposed to isolation. Thus, this project is also a response from the Mairie to the demographic challenges. By opening high-quality leisure facilities, designed to encourage a mix between generations as well as between existing and new residents, the project counterbalances locally demographic imbalances.
Emphasis has been placed on preserving the evolving nature of the project over the long term. The project's agility has also been designed in response to the environmental and climatic challenges, which are increasingly characterised by their unpredictability and acceleration. Ensuring that all residents, regardless of age or physical condition, have access to safe, high-quality outdoor public spaces remains a key issue, even in the countryside. It is also a mental health issue.
Identifying the challenge of building social links from the very beginning of the project has ultimately had the virtuous effect of making it a polymorphous project, addressing on its own scale a range of key challenges. By combining sense of place, preservation of ecosystems, adaptation to local needs and the development of slower tourism, the Mairie will continue to work alongside residents to meet these challenges head on at local level, complementary to the global efforts carried by regional, national, and European authorities.
The next stage in the implementation process is the launch of calls for tender for the contractors who will carry out the works, in March 2025.
From April to early August 2025, the earthworks and architectural elements will be completed.
August 2025 will mark a pause in the project to coincide with the annual goat's cheese festival.
Work will resume in September 2025 with the installation of the furniture and planting, via participatory work sessions involving the public.
Work is scheduled to end in December 2025, with the official inauguration likely to take place in the summer of 2026, to give the planting time to mature.
All the values of the New European Bauhaus are reflected in the various stages of the project.
Sustainability, through the time and effort devoted to understanding the ecosystem, and to collective, multi-disciplinary work on the most virtuous layouts and materials.
Aesthetics, through the upstream studies, the integration of heritage preservation, and the care taken with the work schedule to preserve the charm of the site in August when the work will only be halfway through.
The value of inclusion, which for us goes hand in hand with the principle of participation, can be seen both in the collective launch meeting and in the participative worksites. It is also embodied in the fact that even after December 2025, there will still be room for the citizens to imagine potential evolutions of the project.
The multi-level dimension is naturally integrated into our operating practices, as illustrated by the support provided by the CAUE for 2021-2022 and the national and regional supports.
Finally, transdisciplinarity is embodied in the stages dedicated to dialogue and the sharing of the different citizen and professional expertise of the stakeholders involved.
We want to pursue the implementation of our initiative in accordance with these values and principles, with the aim of strengthening the social fabric of our community.
From April to early August 2025, the earthworks and architectural elements will be completed.
August 2025 will mark a pause in the project to coincide with the annual goat's cheese festival.
Work will resume in September 2025 with the installation of the furniture and planting, via participatory work sessions involving the public.
Work is scheduled to end in December 2025, with the official inauguration likely to take place in the summer of 2026, to give the planting time to mature.
All the values of the New European Bauhaus are reflected in the various stages of the project.
Sustainability, through the time and effort devoted to understanding the ecosystem, and to collective, multi-disciplinary work on the most virtuous layouts and materials.
Aesthetics, through the upstream studies, the integration of heritage preservation, and the care taken with the work schedule to preserve the charm of the site in August when the work will only be halfway through.
The value of inclusion, which for us goes hand in hand with the principle of participation, can be seen both in the collective launch meeting and in the participative worksites. It is also embodied in the fact that even after December 2025, there will still be room for the citizens to imagine potential evolutions of the project.
The multi-level dimension is naturally integrated into our operating practices, as illustrated by the support provided by the CAUE for 2021-2022 and the national and regional supports.
Finally, transdisciplinarity is embodied in the stages dedicated to dialogue and the sharing of the different citizen and professional expertise of the stakeholders involved.
We want to pursue the implementation of our initiative in accordance with these values and principles, with the aim of strengthening the social fabric of our community.
