
French Couple Revives Historic Inn with Help from Local Cooperative
Nestled in the heart of the Vercors Regional Natural Park, in the Drôme department of France, lies the 'Quartier Libre' inn—a testament to community spirit and environmental consciousness. Three years ago, Olivier and Karen embarked on an ambitious project: reviving a historic inn, originally opened in 1848. Their journey was not without its challenges, but with the support of the previous owners and the 'Villages Vivants' cooperative, they transformed the building. 'When we arrived here, we had fears and doubts,' Olivier admits. 'But the cooperative support made all the difference.' Karen highlights the cooperative's role in securing funding, which traditional banks were hesitant to provide for such an ambitious rural project. The inn, with its 50 beds and 50 covers, now thrives, employing locals and sourcing produce from the region. The video concludes with a heartwarming message about community and sustainability, leaving viewers with a sense of hope and inspiration.