Description :
This episode of Reality and Humanity, produced by Radio País, is part of the Tramontana Network (Réseau Tramontana), a European cooperation project co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union. The series documents the memories, languages, traditions and everyday lives of rural communities across Europe through recorded oral testimonies. In this episode, the programme visits Castel de Candau in Béarn, where the presenters meet Daniel and Viviane, a local couple, to explore their family history, rural identity and personal experiences.
Much of the conversation focuses on Daniel’s passion for genealogy and the history of his family name, Casabon, which means “good house.” Drawing on documents preserved within the family, he traces his ancestry back to the eighteenth century and reflects on the importance of houses, family names and local heritage in Béarn. The interview also touches on stories of ancestors who emigrated, military service, and the evolution of rural communities, illustrating how personal memories contribute to a broader understanding of regional history.
Viviane complements these reflections by describing her life as a farmer and recalling the demanding physical work involved in agriculture, from planting and harvesting to preparing produce for market. The couple also discuss rugby, travel, local identity, family life and the changing role of women in rural society. Together, their testimony paints a vivid picture of everyday life in Béarn, highlighting the enduring value of family memory, community traditions and the transmission of local culture between generations.