Saint-Eloy-les-Mines in the Auvergne region of France, once a thriving mining town, is now part of this peripheral France that is experiencing geographical and social isolation: a deserted town centre, a lack of healthcare facilities, a poor public transport network and a high unemployment rate. An explosive cocktail of precariousness and rurality.
Pentecost weekend, the town of Saint-Eloy-les-Mines is in turmoil for the Wine Festival. « It’s the only thing that happens during the year », says Laura, 17 years old, elected Miss Montaigut. Denise, who has been in charge of the Miss for 20 years, adjusts the wedding dresses of the four queens who will parade. « You are now public figures! Smile but above all, enjoy! ». Flower floats accompanied by a musical parade prepare to parade down the city’s main street, which is usually deserted. Marie-Thérèse Sikora, a 74-year-old ball of energy and mayor of the city for 12 years, announces on the microphone, in a shrill voice, the various associations present: the brotherhood of the fine Eloysian palaces, the Majortwirl Art and Dance Club of Saint-Eloy and the music group La Banda’mi. Despite the gloomy weather, the Limoges majorettes dressed in their feathered costumes set with rhinestones made the trip, under the enchanted gaze of the spectators. On the last flowered float were the four miss of the region, smiling despite the low temperatures for the season. « The Fête des vins has been in existence for 57 years and we are proud to be able to entertain a large audience during this family and friendly weekend, » explains the mayor. Even if the festival used to bring together the biggest stars of yesteryear such as Dalida or Frédéric François, it still offers free cover band concerts for the population.
Behind the window where her collections of thimbles and wax dolls are displayed, Claudine watches the show unfold before her eyes, her son Laurent, 35 years old, sitting next to her. « I’ve been living in the centre of Saint-Eloy for 40 years. The shops are disappearing little by little. Before, there used to be about 40 cafés in this street, where the miners used to meet after work. Today, there are no more than 5 of them left ». Laurent has been a shopkeeper and temporary employee at Rockwool for a year and a half. « In any case, they no longer have permanent contracts. I am already satisfied with my temporary contract ». The Rockwool plant that produces rock wool was set up in 1980 in Saint-Eloy-les-Mines following the closure of the last coal mine. Today, with its 575 employees, it is the largest job provider in the sector. Its red and white chimney, visible from anywhere in the city, runs at full speed, 24 hours a day without ever quitting.
The procession is coming to an end and everyone is heading towards the gourmet village where a multitude of French wine merchants have gathered for the occasion. Claude, 61 years old, is walking around and meets his former partner, Pascale, at the Luna Park. He receives the RSA (active solidarity income): 450€. He lives for the moment in a small unhealthy house where the walls are full of water. « I don’t have a car, my only means of transport is walking. I am used to walking 10km/day. Buses are becoming increasingly rare here. It’s a bit of a hassle to be without a car, but I have to make do with it. « The lights from the slot machine illuminate this former loving couple. Over his shoulder, Claude casts furtive glances at Pascale’s daughter Alicia. « I know we had a forbidden love that was not accepted by those around us, but I really loved Alicia for seven years. It was an impossible love but we shared the same passion, karaoke and evening entertainment. Since it’s over, I don’t see the point of getting up in the morning anymore. All I have left is Chipie, my dog, she’s the queen of the house. She has never betrayed me ».
Alain, 64 years old, accosts Claude and offers him a glass of red wine. Claude declines the invitation because he doesn’t drink alcohol. Alain, for his part, has fallen in since the death of his wife. He tries as best he can to find meaning in his life but there is a kind of void. It is Anne-Elisabeth from Médecins du Monde who reminds him of his appointments with the psychiatrist. « Anne-Elisabeth, she never let go of me ». The Médecins du Monde branch in the city centre is where the RESCORDA (Réseau de Santé et de Coordination d’Appui en milieu rural) programme is set up. Its aim is to facilitate access to healthcare for the population in rural areas.
In front of Johnny’s cover band, Janine is fist bound on « Mourir d’amour enchainé ». She dances, smiles and remembers us: « You were at the Bancal party a month ago ». Far from the past image of the region, local initiatives are coming to life such as this alternative bar which celebrated its 2 years anniversary on the weekend of the ascension. Located not far from the Rockwool factory, it helps to recreate links between the different populations, support local craftsmen, and organise board game evenings.
The Saint-Eloy-les-Mines Wine Festival is this meeting place where a whole host of people get together for a long weekend. What interests us, but is often overlooked, are these intense life stories.
Work in progress…
20190413 – FRANCE, SAINT-ELOY LES MINES: The Pays des Combrailles and in particular its northern part presents a worrying level of precariousness; 22.5% of the population lived below the poverty line in 2008 against 16.7% in the department of Puy de Dme. As in many French rural areas, the inhabitants of the Combrailles region have been witnessing for years to the reduction of public transport networks, the provision of health care… Saint-Eloy-les-Mines in Auvergne, a former prosperous mining town, is now part of this peripheral France which is experiencing geographical and social isolation: a deserted town centre, a lack of healthcare facilities, a poor public transport network and a high unemployment rate. This is an explosive cocktail of precariousness and rurality. April 13, 2019. © OLIVIER PAPEGNIES 
20190131 – FRANCE, SAINT-ELOY LES MINES:rom the top of his hill, Pascal (51) has a view overlooking the valley of Saint-Eloy-les-Mines. Accompanied by his two dogs, he receives an indemnity of 860Û/month for a handicapped person following a motorcycle accident. Pascal defines himself as a revolutionary. Flayed alive, he lives on the margins of society. He hasn’t slept in his house for almost 10 years following a love break-up. « It’s too hard for me, it brings back too many memories. I prefer to go to sleep every night in my truck. That’s where I feel good. January 31, 2019. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES 
20190201 – FRANCE, SAINT-ELOY LES MINES:The walls of Alain’s apartment are decorated with photos of his wife. They never had a child because she suffered from a muscle disease. Over the years, she was as if imprisoned in her own body. « Her death was a kind of deliverance for her, but I suffer so much from this emptiness. She was the woman of my life, I fell in love at first sight at a dance in Pionsat. We were together for 29 years. I console myself by telling myself that I would have known love in my life ». February 1, 2019. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES 
20190130 – FRANCE, SAINT-ELOY LES MINES: Claude is currently living in a small, unhealthy house with waterlogged walls. « I received a letter from my landlord from a bailiff. I have the impression that everything is falling apart around me. I can no longer tell the difference between day and night. Poor housing affects a large part of the precarious people in the Pays des Combrailles. Claude is one of those « energy insecure » people who quickly find themselves in payment difficulties because, despite an attractive rent, they are disappointed at the end of the month because of energy costs that sometimes reach record levels. January 30, 2019. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES 
20190131 – FRANCE, SAINT-ELOY LES MINES:rom the top of his hill, Pascal (51) has a view overlooking the valley of Saint-Eloy-les-Mines. Accompanied by his two dogs, he receives an indemnity of 860Û/month for a handicapped person following a motorcycle accident. Pascal defines himself as a revolutionary. Flayed alive, he lives on the margins of society. He hasn’t slept in his house for almost 10 years following a love break-up. « It’s too hard for me, it brings back too many memories. I prefer to go to sleep every night in my truck. That’s where I feel good. January 31, 2019. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES 
20190201 – FRANCE, SAINT-ELOY LES MINES:The walls of Alain’s apartment are decorated with photos of his wife. They never had a child because she suffered from a muscle disease. Over the years, she was as if imprisoned in her own body. « Her death was a kind of deliverance for her, but I suffer so much from this emptiness. She was the woman of my life, I fell in love at first sight at a dance in Pionsat. We were together for 29 years. I console myself by telling myself that I would have known love in my life ». February 1, 2019. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES 
20190130 – FRANCE, SAINT-ELOY LES MINES: Access to health care is a real problem in the Combraille country. There is currently no hospital or specialist doctor on the territory, the nearest hospitals being in Montluon (in the north) and Clermont-Ferrand (in the south). The number of general practitioners is also declining, with the average age of a large majority of them approaching retirement age. The region is what is commonly referred to as a medical desert. January 30, 2019. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES 
20190130 – FRANCE, SAINT-ELOY LES MINES: Claude casts furtive glances at Alicia, Pascale’s daughter. « I know that we lived a forbidden love that was not accepted by our entourage, but I really loved Alicia for 7 years. It was an impossible love but we shared the same passion: karaoke and evening entertainment. Since it ended 7 months ago, I don’t see the point of getting up in the morning anymore. January 30, 2019. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES 
20190130 – FRANCE, SAINT-ELOY LES MINES: Access to health care is a real problem in the Combraille country. There is currently no hospital or specialist doctor on the territory, the nearest hospitals being in Montluon (in the north) and Clermont-Ferrand (in the south). The number of general practitioners is also declining, with the average age of a large majority of them approaching retirement age. The region is what is commonly referred to as a medical desert. January 30, 2019. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES 
20190130 – FRANCE, SAINT-ELOY LES MINES: Bruno has been living with his wife in Youx for 11 years in a house that he also shares with his 3 dogs, his cats, his 2 donkeys, his sheep, his pigeons and his goat that he got back « because we wanted to give it to people who would have killed it to eat it ». Even if financially, he did not have an easy time, his animals will always come before him, he tells us. But what Bruno wants most of all is to have cataract surgery to get his driver’s license back so he can work and then « live normally. Not having to struggle, not having to constantly ask people for help, help, help ». January 30, 2019. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES 
20190414- FRANCE, SAINT-ELOY LES MINES: « Look how the walls are streaming! I had to put buckets in so the water wouldn’t touch the electrical system. In his kitchen, which serves as a dining room, Claude explains that he eats only once every three days. He had to move his room downstairs because the upstairs was not watertight. April 14, 2019. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES 
20190131 – FRANCE, SAINT-ELOY LES MINES:rom the top of his hill, Pascal (51) has a view overlooking the valley of Saint-Eloy-les-Mines. Accompanied by his two dogs, he receives an indemnity of 860Û/month for a handicapped person following a motorcycle accident. Pascal defines himself as a revolutionary. Flayed alive, he lives on the margins of society. He hasn’t slept in his house for almost 10 years following a love break-up. « It’s too hard for me, it brings back too many memories. I prefer to go to sleep every night in my truck. That’s where I feel good. January 31, 2019. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES 
20190414- FRANCE, SAINT-ELOY LES MINES: Chipie is the queen of the house. « Thanks to her, I don’t feel so lonely. She, unlike human beings, has never betrayed me. She is and always will be with me. He suffers a lot of loneliness. « I feel that sometimes I get lost in my words. In my head, it’s complicated. È Mdecins du Monde follows Claude in his weekly visits to a local psychologist. April 14, 2019. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES 
20190201 – FRANCE, SAINT-GERVAIS D’AUVERGNE: Daniel, a 58-year-old farmer, has been living on the farm his whole life. He took over the family farm when his parents passed away. His sister, Andre (67) lives with him during the winter months because the work is important « we only sleep 2 or 3 hours a night because there are calves, we have to take care of the animals ». Andr’s financial situation is not good « we don’t have the means to bring the farm up to standard, we won’t be able to sell it, this farm will stop in 3 or 4 years, when I get my pension. If I hold out! È. February 1, 2019. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES 
20190201 – FRANCE, SAINT-GERVAIS D’AUVERGNE: Daniel, a 58-year-old farmer, has been living on the farm his whole life. He took over the family farm when his parents passed away. His sister, Andre (67) lives with him during the winter months because the work is important « we only sleep 2 or 3 hours a night because there are calves, we have to take care of the animals ». Andr’s financial situation is not good « we don’t have the means to bring the farm up to standard, we won’t be able to sell it, this farm will stop in 3 or 4 years, when I get my pension. If I hold out! È. February 1, 2019. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES 
20190201 – FRANCE, SAINT-GERVAIS D’AUVERGNE: Daniel, a 58-year-old farmer, has been living on the farm his whole life. He took over the family farm when his parents passed away. His sister, Andre (67) lives with him during the winter months because the work is important « we only sleep 2 or 3 hours a night because there are calves, we have to take care of the animals ». Andr’s financial situation is not good « we don’t have the means to bring the farm up to standard, we won’t be able to sell it, this farm will stop in 3 or 4 years, when I get my pension. If I hold out! È. February 1, 2019. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES 
20190201 – FRANCE, SAINT-GERVAIS D’AUVERGNE: Daniel, a 58-year-old farmer, has been living on the farm his whole life. He took over the family farm when his parents passed away. His sister, Andre (67) lives with him during the winter months because the work is important « we only sleep 2 or 3 hours a night because there are calves, we have to take care of the animals ». Andr’s financial situation is not good « we don’t have the means to bring the farm up to standard, we won’t be able to sell it, this farm will stop in 3 or 4 years, when I get my pension. If I hold out! È. February 1, 2019. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES 
20190414- FRANCE, SAINT-ELOY LES MINES:Claude receives the RSA (active solidarity income): 450Û. Beside this meagre income, he still sometimes hosts balls or wedding parties. A musician by birth, he particularly appreciates karaoke. In the near future, he would like to resume his DJ activity but since he no longer has Alicia by his side, he has lost taste in life. April 14, 2019. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES 
20190413 – FRANCE, SAINT-ELOY LES MINES: Denise, head of the Miss’s for 20 years, adjusts the wedding gowns of the four queens who are going to parade. « You are now public figures! Smile but above all enjoy! È. Demanding, she wants everything to be perfect for the big day. April 13, 2019. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES 
20190414- FRANCE, SAINT-ELOY LES MINES: Roger and Nicole met 3 years ago at Boilet’s dance. From now on, once a month, they treading the dance floor. « It’s just like at youth dances, we’re there… to dance but also to flirt! And jealous women, there are some! È The Sunday afternoon dancing are a great success in the region. Creating social bonds, they allow a whole generation to get together to meet people, laugh and dance. April 14, 2019. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES 
20190609 – FRANCE, St-ELOY-LES-MINES: For the 57th wine festival, floats in bloom accompanied by a musical parade prepare to parade down the city’s main street, which is usually deserted. Marie-Thrse Sikora, a 74-year-old ball of energy and mayor of the town for 12 years, announces at the microphone, in a shrill voice, the various associations present: the brotherhood of the fine Eloysian palaces, the Majortwirl Art and Dance Club of Saint-Eloy or the music group La Banda’mi. In spite of the gloomy weather, the Limoges majorettes dressed in their feathered costumes set with rhinestones made the trip, under the enchanted gaze of the spectators. « The Fte des vins has been in existence for 57 years and we are proud to be able to entertain a large public. during this family and friendly weekend » explains the mayor. Even if the festival used to bring together the biggest stars of yesteryear such as Dalida or Frdric Franois, it continues to offer free cover band concerts for the population. Dborah has always enjoyed parading through the streets. What particularly animates her are the choreographies worthy of the Moulin Rouge, which she rehearses tirelessly 1x/week with her majorette friends. « We travel by van all over France, we’re like a little family. And even if some people find the concept of cheerleaders old-fashioned, we are sure to give pleasure to the spectators, they have stars in their eyes! È. June 9, 2019. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES 
20190610 – FRANCE, St-ELOY-LES-MINES: Behind the window where her collections of thimbles and wax dolls are displayed, Claudine watches the parade of the 57th Ftes des vins parade past before her eyes: « I’ve been living in the centre of Saint-Eloy for 40 years. The shops are gradually disappearing. There used to be about forty cafs in this street, the miners used to meet there after work. June 10, 2019. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES / 
20190610 – FRANCE, St-ELOY-LES-MINES: Pentecost weekend, the town of Saint-Eloy-les-Mines is in turmoil for the 57th Fte des vins. « It’s the only thing that happens during the year », says Laura, 17 years old, elected Miss Montaigut. She will parade during the cavalcade alongside Miss Saint-Eloy, Miss Youx and Miss Combraille, the most prestigious title. June 10, 2019. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES 
20190412 – FRANCE, SAINT-ELOY LES MINES: The party at Le Bancal is in full swing. On the menu of the day: homemade fries and homemade organic beers. The precariousness in rural areas offers a range of different faces: some members of the Bancal are in the movement to live a sober and chosen while some of their users live a precariousness installed for a long time. April 12, 2019. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES / COLLECTIF HUMA 
20190201 – FRANCE, SAINT-ELOY LES MINES: Saint-Eloy-les-Mines in Auvergne, a former prosperous mining town, is now part of this peripheral France which is experiencing geographical and social isolation: a deserted town centre, a lack of healthcare facilities, a poor public transport network and a high unemployment rate. This is an explosive cocktail of precariousness and rurality. February 1, 2019. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES 
20190413 – FRANCE, SAINT-ELOY LES MINES: Hugues and his family come to celebrate the four years of Le bancal, an associative bar that hosts a multitude of alternative activities for the region. Hugues is one of those neo-rurals who decided to come to the region to build a different way of life. With his collective « L’asso Luce », he decided to open « La Mine », a small grocery store that promotes local production to encourage short chains. April 13, 2019. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES 
20190609 – FRANCE, St-ELOY-LES-MINES: Despite the gloomy weather, the Limoges cheerleaders dressed in their feathery costumes set with rhinestones made the trip, under the enchanted gaze of the spectators. June 9, 2019. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES 
20190609 – FRANCE, St-ELOY-LES-MINES: Amateur hunter, Laura (17 years old, elected Miss Montaigut) wore heels for the first time on her election day. For her, it is a pride to represent her city but it is also an honour for her family. After graduating with a leather goods diploma, she hopes to become a gendarme. « Even if there is not much to do on weekends in Saint-Eloy, I feel good in my little countryside ». June 9, 2019. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES 
20190414- FRANCE, SAINT-ELOY LES MINES: Vronique and Nono live with 8 children under the same roof, 7 children from two different fathers for Vronique and an only daughter for Nono. For this large family, life in the country is pleasant for them but they complain about the lack of public transport in the region. « The biggest difficulty for us is mobility. My children and I are used to walking a lot but public transport is slowly disappearing. « Like many other rural areas, the Pays des Combrailles has suffered a restriction in the supply of public transport. For example, a bus line with a limited number of passengers per day has replaced the railway line that linked the Combrailles to the urban centers. Vronique, a mother of 7 children, has no choice: the lack of public transport in the region pushes her family to travel mostly on foot. Inequality in mobility is a specific feature of the precarious situation in rural areas. In remote areas, having a car is essential for access to employment and care. April 14, 2019. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES 
20190611 – FRANCE, St-ELOY-LES-MINES: Since they sold their car, Aurlie (38) and Lionel (54) have only been travelling on foot. They live with their 3 children (7, 6 and 2 years old), in Saint-Eloy-les-Mines, in a house they rent for 610Û/month. Lionel is out of work because of a cervico-brachial neuralgia which prevents him from using his right arm. After 35 years as a worker at Rockwool, he now receives a compensation of 1000Û. The ends of the month are difficult for this family, which mainly feeds on food parcels from Secours Populaire. June 11, 2019. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES 
20181016 – FRANCE, AUVERGNE: Desert road on the plateau du Czalier. October 16, 2018. PHOTO OLIVIER PAPEGNIES
