In the tranquil village of Donzy, life revolves around the historic mill run by Frédéric Coudray, who reflects on the changing political climate as locals shift towards right-wing sentiments amid disillusionment with urban-centric policies. Mayor Marie-France Lurier highlights community challenges, including an aging population and economic concerns, while remaining hopeful about new businesses and the importance of social cohesion. The evolving dynamics in Donzy mirror broader political trends across France, revealing the complexities of rural existence.
Life in the Old Mill of Donzy
In the quaint village of Donzy, alongside the serene Nohain River, life unfurls at a gentle pace. Soft winter light seeps through the aged windows, illuminating a massive grinding stone at the heart of the old mill. Frédéric Coudray, the mill’s caretaker, sets the two-ton wheel in motion, filling the air with an earthy aroma. Here at the traditional Huilerie du Moulin de l’Île, walnuts and hazelnuts are first crushed, roasted, and then transformed into exquisite oil.
“Some visitors simply sit on a bench and watch the mill work. It’s a meditative experience,” Coudray remarks. “These individuals are not interested in the online world; they aren’t concerned with cryptocurrencies or hunting for Pokémons.”
A Unique Perspective on France
Welcome to Donzy, affectionately dubbed the “keystone of France” by Frédéric Coudray, a 56-year-old entrepreneur and philosopher. “We are like the final stone in the arch,” he explains. “Remove us, and the structure collapses.” This cheerful Burgundian is deeply fond of his 200-year-old mill, where the passage of time seems to have paused. In addition to running the mill, he raises ducks and geese, all while guiding culinary enthusiasts and tourists through his picturesque village.
Coudray recalls the interest his village has garnered in the political arena, known for its precise alignment with national election results. Traditionally, Donzy’s voting patterns mirrored those of the rest of France, drawing political analysts from far and wide. However, the recent shift in sentiment is palpable. In the past, the village’s residents oscillated between conservative and socialist leadership. But by 2017, a significant change emerged when a majority supported Marine Le Pen of the Rassemblement national (RN) in the first round of voting, a stark contrast to previous elections.
Today, Coudray observes a notable swing towards right-wing politics, indicating a growing disillusionment with Parisian politics. He notes, “My employees would all vote for Le Pen today. Convincing them otherwise would be futile.” Coudray himself, once a Macron supporter, has since reconsidered, believing the president has neglected rural areas in favor of urban interests.
As Coudray reflects on the changing political landscape, he identifies a decline in trust towards government and a prevailing sense of pessimism among the residents. “We are witnessing a decline in our department, with many elderly individuals lamenting the past,” he explains. The loss of local industries and the rise of large companies with minimal staffing have contributed to this sentiment.
Despite the picturesque setting of stone houses lining the path to the town hall, the village grapples with a sense of discontent. Mayor Marie-France Lurier, a petite 68-year-old, shares her concerns about the feelings of neglect among her constituents. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on the positives amidst rising living costs and fears of social decline, noting, “We still have a functioning healthcare system, and education remains free.”
While Lurier acknowledges the challenges facing Donzy, including an aging population and the absence of a family doctor, she remains optimistic about the twenty new businesses that have opened their doors in recent years. Yet, she expresses worry over the impact of social media and the erosion of community bonds. “We cannot lose our sense of togetherness; it is integral to our identity,” she asserts.
Keeping an eye on events in Paris, Lurier hopes for stability under François Bayrou, the country’s latest prime minister. She stresses the necessity of financial security for her village, particularly in light of ongoing projects that require funding. “Another government upheaval would be disastrous for us,” she warns.
At the local hotel, “Le Grand Monarque,” the atmosphere reflects the village’s mixed sentiments. While some residents are indifferent to Bayrou’s leadership, the broader implications of political decisions continue to resonate within the community. The unfolding narrative in Donzy serves as a microcosm of the shifting political tides throughout France, highlighting the intricate relationship between rural life and national politics.