1986: My Happy Life in Provence

Chapter 137 The Focus of Lourmarin

Just like the villagers of Lourmarin couldn't understand why Ronan decorated the bathroom in three different styles.

They also couldn't understand why Ronan would spend money to restore a 1961 car.

This time, even Pierre couldn't speak for Ronan:
"Why would you buy a 1961 car? You might as well buy my pickup truck, it's a 1972."

There are classic cars everywhere in Provence, but that doesn't mean they don't reject "classic cars".

They all drive old cars, but they will never buy 'old' ones.

If Pierre wanted to change his car, he would definitely not buy a 1961.

I finally managed to get rid of the old 1972 car and bought another one that's even older than it.
are you crazy?
"I want to modify it." Ronan drank calmly.

Farmers don't understand what 'modification' is.

All they knew was that no one repaired cars in Provence.

"I heard from Pires that it might cost you 7000 francs to repair your car this time? That guy gave up the quilt he had been sewing for decades. If there are four fools like you every year, he can turn his 'hobby' into a career." Theo said with a grin.

"It's at least 7000 francs." Ronan reminded sternly.

After Pires' careful inspection, it was found that the DS19 had many problems.

In addition to the necessary parts for repairs, Ronan also ordered some things based on his memory of some future modified cars.

Pires was not sure whether Ronan had what he wanted, so he needed to go to the spare parts factory in April or Marseille to look for it. The 7000 francs was just the price of the spare parts.

But even if it costs a few thousand more, Ronan still thinks it is worth it.

It's just that these Provencal people can't understand it.

"You are really crazy." Pierre muttered angrily, "It only means that you have made enough money. I remember Lucas was like this when he first made money. He spent money like eating."

"Lucas didn't spend 7000 francs on repairing his car," Theo corrected Pierre.

Ronan shrugged.

“Just some hobbies, like renovating the bathroom.”

Theo left with a smirk:

"Then I wish you success. I hope that in the future your house will have one more attraction for me to 'visit'."

Theo didn't leave in the direction of his home, and he left too early. This guy usually drinks until closing time before going home. Ronan couldn't help but ask Pierre curiously:
"Where is he going?"

"A row of new houses has been built on the outskirts of the village, close to the castle. Theo should have gone there to watch the fun." Pierre continued to drink his beer.

"Are new houses being built in the village?" Ronan was a little surprised.

Most of the buildings in Lourmarin village are old, and there are not many new houses.

But the number of new houses often represents the degree of prosperity of a village.

For example, Mena Village was a bird's nest village hundreds of years ago, with all the houses built on the mountains.

But now the range of Mena Village spreads from the top of the mountain to the plain area below the mountain. Most of the new houses below are built for tourism, and there is even a huge museum.

Lourmarin built a new house, which means the government has money!

"It's been repaired for a while, but it's not much, just one row." Pierre burped and said in a not very enthusiastic tone.

"What are those new houses used for?" Ronan asked curiously.

He hadn't been to that side of the castle for a long time, which was in the opposite direction from his home.

Pierre lost interest in this matter:

"I heard that in order to accommodate more tourists, they will build museums, cafes, restaurants, family hotels, galleries and souvenir shops."

Pierre was not interested, but Ronan was very interested: "How far has it been built? Is anyone planning to do it?"

After his parents came to Lourmarin, Ronan had enough staff to seriously consider the possibility of opening a restaurant.

In Provence, everything is done as a 'family' unit, and no one asks outsiders for help. Before, he was alone and was restricted in doing many things.

Pierre laughed twice with disdain:

"The government's idea is too good, but no one is interested. Who would do it if it doesn't make money? As far as I know, no one in the village is interested."

When Pierre said that no one in the village was interested, that meant that no one was interested.

This guy knows almost all the news in the village.

Ronan stroked his chin and thought for a moment.

No one is interested?
Then he didn't need to rush to find out the news.

The day to go to the market is coming soon. Starting this week, his parents will take over from Leah and Vieri. He has to re-optimize the division of labor. Now there are two chefs who can make sweet and sour pork.

Ronan was in no hurry.

But the village chief Blanco was extremely anxious.

Lourmarin's application for a budget from the Vaucluse Tourism Board has been rejected for the fourth time in two years, on the grounds that it has not met their 'support' criteria.

There are no special attractions, no historical sites that can tell stories, no popular and unique markets, and even no decent restaurants.

They hope that Lourmarin can first work hard to make some achievements and prove to them what the village can bring to the tourism industry in the Vaucluse department before talking about the topic of "budget".

In order to achieve some results, Blanco drew on the experience of successful villages such as Mena Village, Bonnieux and Roussillon, and wanted to create a distinctive "commercial street".

There are museums, restaurants, cafes and art shops on this street that can meet all the needs of tourists.

Now the various travel infrastructures in the village are too scattered and not friendly to tourists, making it difficult to give them a good travel experience.

Recently, the number of tourists visiting Lourmarin has gradually increased. The next step for the government is to consider how to keep them here while improving the reputation of Lourmarin in Provence as much as possible.

The money for building the "commercial street" was all squeezed out by Lourmarin from the budgets of various government departments, which was not easy.

But the villagers didn't buy it at all.

The government contacted every suitable family in the village during this period, but no one was interested.

Although he could continue to ask in other villages, Blanco was unwilling to do so.

How come there is no one in the village who supports him?
Is it because he, as the village chief, has failed miserably?
Heartbroken, he went to see his senior, Old Carl, to hear his opinion.

When Karl heard this, he asked doubtfully:

"Have you asked the Ronans?"

Blanco's eyes suddenly lit up:
"His parents are in Lourmarin?"

Previously, Ronan was the only one and was not on the government’s list of people to be contacted.

But his parents are coming to Lourmarin. He actually forgot such an important thing!

Carl said to Blanco:
"They've been here for days."

Blanco stood up immediately, not wanting to wait any longer:

"I'll go now!"

He remembered that Ronan's father was a very talented person!

Carl called Blanco and gave him a friendly reminder:
"Ronan is the 'characteristic' of Lourmarin and the hope for revitalization. He is also the 'focus' that many people in the village always pay attention to. His choice is very important and you must fight for him with all your sincerity."

(End of this chapter)