Entertainment, employment, training…what vision do young people in Béarn have?

To be more precise, the CCI wishes to focus solely on Béarn, through a study aimed at better understanding its appeal to young people. An investigation carried out among 246 students or high school students, aged 16 to 25 years old. In this sample, 78% are students mainly from business schools, universities, bachelor’s degrees, or preparatory classes.

A positive note for the region: 61% completely agree that “the quality of life is one of the major assets of the region,” as decrypted by the CCI during the presentation of this study. The ideal environment, between sea and mountains, and the sports life enhance the region. 40% also appreciate the cultural identity and traditions.

The student life, a real lever of attractiveness: Students who proudly say they live in Béarn, as well as foreseeing leaving it often. One of the main reasons cited is a cultural and associative life “less well perceived,” notes the CCI. 89% declare that “getting involved in the associative, cultural, and sports environment is important to thrive in their professional life,” but they apparently do not always find ways to do so. The cultural life in Béarn is rated only 6.7/10, and the associative life scores 6.5/10.

“The student life” therefore deserves to be treated as a priority according to 61% of the survey participants.

The lack of dedicated places for young people and nightlife, entertainment, is highlighted. “The city is more directed towards the elderly than towards the young people,” regrets one student interviewed.

Regarding the economic dynamism, it is not very visible. Even though the territory is well-identified as “dynamic” economically, only 14% completely agree that it offers enough qualified positions. Employment opportunities receive a score of only 5.5/10, and the courses offered 6.2/10.

Making the offers more visible: Despite having industrial assets in fields such as underground sciences, aeronautics, chemistry, and rare earths, these sectors are not perceived sufficiently today. The same trend applies to the visibility of the training offer, which is considered “not sufficiently visible.”

The perspective of two influencers: Valentin Lienard, a player at Pau FC, shares his daily life as an athlete with 500,000 followers. He appreciates his new surroundings in Pau, between sea and mountains, and considers the desire to leave his hometown as a positive way to realize the richness of his region. Florian Moyen, known as the “Curious Béarnais,” aims to enhance the heritage, partly inspired by his experiences outside Béarn.

Context: – CCI: Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Béarn: A region in southwestern France known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage Fact Check: – The study conducted by CCI surveyed 246 students or high school students aged 16 to 25 about the attractiveness of Béarn among young people.