La Coquille is 2.5 km away - click for information on that town
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Village Church |
Village Green |
Our local bar |
Up until 15 year’s ago we’re told the village supported some 5 cafes and bars as well as a bakery and general store. Thankfully we still have a first-class bakery and a super grocery store, which has recently been modernised. The baker takes orders for any kind of speciality breads and makes first-class cakes and tarts. On Fridays, he makes pizzas to order. The food section of the store is particularly well stocked with a refrigerated section, basic food stuffs, pet food, household items and a well-priced selection of wines and spirits. We still, at least, have one bar which is well patronised by the locals and which, with the bakery, form the local points of the village. Such are the changes in rural life in France.
For, today, the farms are run with the minimum of labour, and
the aid of sophisticated machinery. So, gradually, over the years, many people
have left the countryside and have sought work in the towns and cities. As a
consequence village life has changed and evolved and with it the mix of people.
Nowadays, not only will you meet in the bar, the usual 'hard core' local retirees,
artisans and farmers, but also other foreigners from Europe and America, who
are either here on holiday, or who have bought property round about. Certainly
you’re likely to meet an interesting group of people and you’ll
be acknowledged
with a greeting by the locals. The pace of life is slow here and who’s
heard of stress?
Michel is our local car mechanic who owns the local garage with workshop and petrol/diesel.
We still have a little local primary school of one classroom taking 3-8 year olds. From age 8 to 11 the children are bussed to the next village (1.5kms away) and from 11 they go to the school in La Coquille (2.5kms).
The Mayor, in any French village or town, is a highly respected member of the community, being responsible for the day to day running of the village and the commune (or district) . It is an elected post, by local people, for a term of 7 years. In addition to administrative duties, the mayor presides over all ceremonial events and memorial days.
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Here in St Priest Les Fougères our fete day is August 15th held each year on the village green and to which everyone is invited, including any visitors staying in the village. Festivities start at around 3pm with something for all the family; tombola, merry-go-round for the young children, duck races, demonstrations by artisans, arts and crafts stalls, live music and entertainment. In the evening food and drinks are served on the village green and we have a band or DJ. A firework display is at 10.30 and, after dancing until the early hours. It's a real opportunity to experience an authentic village event.
