The Hands That Shape the Countryside

In the workshop of Bernard Lafont, master carpenter in the village of Meyrueis, the scent of fresh-cut oak mingles with centuries of tradition. His hands, scarred and strong from forty years of working wood, guide a plane across a beam destined for a farmhouse restoration. "This wood came from trees felled by the storm of '99," he explains, running his fingers along the grain. "I knew those oaks when they stood. Now they'll shelter another family for centuries."

Rural professions like Bernard's represent more than economic activities. They embody accumulated knowledge, maintain landscapes and buildings, and preserve skills that industrial society has largely abandoned. These craftspeople and professionals form the practical backbone of rural life, ensuring that villages remain functional, beautiful, and connected to their heritage.