Neo-rural phenomena

The movement of reflux from the city to the country which is typical of so-called post-industrial civilisation, presents among others two characteristics which are to be found mostly in the south of France. On the one hand, there are the "renovated villages" — villages which had been almost completely abandoned and were later restored by owners of second homes, old-age pensioners, executives and the likes; the author suggests themes of research into the evolution and problems of this new category of rural concentrations. On the other hand, neo-rural immigrants, among whom neo-artisans and neo-peasants can be distinguished, are representatives of a movement which has developed since 1968 and has become a factor of major importance in some deserted regions. The evolution of the movement is examined here as well as the different categories of neo-rurals and the often unfavourable reactions of the rural community towards them.