Sarthe

Sarthe is a department located in the Pays de la Loire region of France. Recent news highlights political and cultural shifts within the region. The Rassemblement National (RN), a right-wing political party, has gained ground, winning in La Flèche, a town in Sarthe. This victory prompted writer Mazarine Pingeot to cancel her appearance at a cultural event in the town in protest. This political development signifies a potential shift in the region's political landscape. Simultaneously, there's growing concern about the decline of traditional French bistros in Sarthe, as exemplified by the café in Saint-Mars-la Brière. Professionals are advocating for UNESCO recognition of bistros to preserve them as part of France's intangible cultural heritage, highlighting the importance of these establishments to local communities and their cultural identity. The RN's increasing presence and the struggle to preserve local bistros underscore significant changes and challenges facing Sarthe.