- French
This unique exposition is a graphic-novel style retrospective of village life in the 19th century…
As you stroll up the village street, you will relive the past through the eyes of Gustin, a fictitious Champérolain who leaves his village as a young lad to become a mercenary in Napoleon’s army. In 1863, after a 50-year absence, Gustin’s homesickness brings him back to a village that has changed dramatically…
The striking storyboards are on display at strategic points along the main street and provide an engaging way to explore the village and its past.
Each panel is divided into two parts:
– In the first part, the illustrations show Gustin rediscovering his village half a century after his departure.
– The second part of the panel depicts scenes from everyday life in the olden days, concentrating of different aspects of our long-ago lifestyle and our hardworking, proud ancestors. The vignettes showcase politics, domestic life, local industry, mercenary soldiering, emigration, tourism and more.
Illustrated par Cosey, a well-known local artist, after a story written by Fabrice Clément, who might well be a distant descendant of Gustin himself, this permanent exhibition was a collaborative effort sponsored by the Champéry Heritage Association.