his book “A history of Cap-Ferret”, passion, legends and proofs

“Birth of a resort, a history of Cap-Ferret” (La Geste)

Vincent Roussel discovered Cap-Ferret in 1970. Originally from the north of France, he remembers an expedition to the far west with long hours spent in the trains and in the car before arriving on this wild piece of land, beaten by the winds where the pines grow as best they can. A piece of land, a 25 kilometer “dead end” between ocean and basin, jealously kept secret by the people of Bordeaux. He fell head over heels in love with it and years later wrote this book to tell the story, development and transformation of Cap-Ferret. “Birth of a resort – A history of Cap-Ferret” is an ambitious editorial project in both substance and form. We can only salute the work of the excellent publishing house The gesture and of Romain Naudin because it is an ambitious book, of a unique documentary wealth (administrative documents, maps, notarial acts …) which allows the reader to trace the history of Cap-Ferret, property of the state, concession for fishermen and oyster farmers and today a world famous seaside resort. Meticulous work, an indisputable perspective (based on evidence, rare archives), a sensitive and precise writing as well as a rich iconography make this book a success. In addition, the book by Vincent Roussel gives a few kicks to received ideas, legends, fantasies about this peninsula often shrouded in mystery where the pines whisper family names. This book also explains the preservation of Cap-Ferret and helps us understand the need for its protection against the elements or against projects that could disfigure it. Let us add that the choice of the paintings reproduced in the book makes it possible to measure to what extent the Cap-Ferret inspired the painters ofAndré Lhote (his last painting before his death on the cover) at Albert Marquet through lesser-known artists who, however, constitute a very beautiful gallery of witness landscapes. This book blows the famous “ferretcapien” state of mind and at the turn of the pages we meet some figures, some personalities who have had an impact on the fate of the peninsula of Cap-Ferret.

Vincent Roussel is a notary in Paris and a writer

The book exists in 2 versions: Deluxe Edition 95 Euros and Current edition 35 euros