At the campaign press conference last Friday, outgoing mayor Jean-Sébastien Orcibal, accompanied by his deputy for culture Sylvie Bouchaud and his deputy for city policy Jean-Michel Bouyssié, presented several aspects of the program for the “Dare for Villefranche” list dedicated to culture, heritage, and tourist attractiveness of the bastide.
For the outgoing municipal team, these themes are essential for strengthening the dynamism of Villefranche-de-Rouergue. “Culture and heritage fully contribute to the image and attractiveness of our city,” the elected officials recalled, wishing to continue the enhancement efforts of recent years.
An auditorium at the Penitents Bleus
Among the projects discussed is the transformation of the former chapel of the Penitents Bleus into an auditorium with a capacity of up to 150 seats. This new facility could host conferences, symposiums, or shows in a renovated heritage setting. The goal is to have a venue suitable for cultural or professional events of intermediate size.
Promoting the installation of artisan craftsmen
The list also aims to encourage the arrival of artisan craftsmen in the streets of the old town center. The proposed initiative would involve providing ground floor premises by willing property owners, under very favorable conditions, in collaboration with the municipality. This initiative aims to revitalize certain storefronts and strengthen the artisanal and cultural identity of the bastide.
A project for the Atelier Blanc
Another well-advanced and structuring project is the restoration of an eighteenth-century private hotel on Rue de la République (the former Brégeon notarial office) to house the contemporary art association L’Atelier Blanc. This place will become a dedicated space for contemporary creation and will be integrated into a regional artistic itinerary.
The Pearl of Rouergue
In its program, the list also highlights several actions to maintain and enhance what is known as the “Pearl of Rouergue.” Among the proposed initiatives are the relocation of the tourist office to Place Notre-Dame, the development of the Conques–Toulouse itinerary for Saint-Jacques pilgrims, and the creation of a pilgrim lodge near the St. Jacques chapel.
The program also includes the creation of a true bastide museum around the Urbain Cabrol museum, the renovation of the Veuzac carillon, the continuation of communal heritage restoration work, and the implementation of new guided tours within the city’s monuments.
For the candidates of “Dare for Villefranche,” these projects aim to strengthen the cultural and tourist offering while highlighting the rich heritage of the bastide.
