14 minutes agoThe village of ghosts that was abandoned because of the common error
Periskopi(6 years ago)
(6 years ago)In the 1950 ' s, Celles was a small village in Salagou Valley in southern France, known for its red land and dry climate. Among the 63 residents, most were engaged in agriculture and vineyard. They lived peacefully until the authorities decided to expel them. The reason was the market crisis; the market [...]
In the 1950 ' s, Celles was a small village in Salagou Valley in southern France, known for its red land and dry climate. Among the 63 residents, most were engaged in agriculture and vineyard. They lived peacefully until the authorities decided to expel them.
The reason was the market crisis; the summer market was full. The French hoped that the reservoir would allow farmers to pass from vine to other crops. Between 1959 and 1968, Celle's inhabitants had to sell their homes to create space for a new lake.
The water slowly covered the landscape, but the village was not flooded. The French had calculated that the water would rise to a height of 150 feet [150 m] but stopped at 139m, 4m lower than the village.
Villagers were unjustly displaced, but 50 years later, families who wanted young people appeared.
Today, 35 people live there, and the country is increasingly popular with tourists walking through red land and enjoying nature. But new residents do not want a country that attracts visitors six months a year, but a community where people work and live.
Families of former residents have shared thoughts about the return. Some are still indignant at the forced shift, others may return but not to the homes they left at the mercy of time. Celle's future will depend on hardworking people who can put away anger and resentment.
