Description :
This programme by Radio Pays is part of the European project Tramontana Network (Réseau Tramontana in French), co-financed by the European Union, which highlights rural territories, their memories, voices and human experiences. In this episode, Radio Pays continues its exploration of the life stories of inhabitants of Aveyron through the testimonies of Colette and Jacky, two representatives of the baby-boomer generation. Their conversation reflects on personal journeys, social transformations and the relationship between people and their territory.
The interview explores their return to the land, their choice of a rural lifestyle and the challenges they faced as newcomers in an agricultural environment. Colette recalls the difficulties of social integration, isolation and the need to create relationships, while Jacky describes how their arrival was initially perceived with suspicion by local communities. Over time, however, their different background and practices contributed to exchanges of knowledge, especially in agriculture, food production and traditional know-how. Their way of life is presented as a search for autonomy, creativity and a meaningful connection with the land.
The discussion also broadens to wider reflections on agriculture, science, religion, cultural diversity and the legacy one leaves behind. Jacky shares his experiences with Bolivian farmers and his admiration for the concept of “living well” connected to nature and community. He questions the pressures of modern economic systems and defends the importance of preserving local knowledge, biodiversity and human relationships. Through their testimonies, Colette and Jacky reveal how a life built around family, work, friendship and respect for the environment can become a lasting trace left on the world.