Abstract
From the example of Aubrac Mountain, we set a discussion paper about the conditions and the issues of tourism development in Europeans rural areas, and especially mid-mountains. Aubrac Mountain has been the object of major studies since the 1960’s. Marked by a long period of rural exodus, it has been a significant example of the rural crisis, which seemed to condemn more enclosed rural spaces. Three decades later, this region is making a comeback in the media. Yesterday’s attitudes have been forgotten and the region’s remarkable strengths are being widely praised, making it a model for other rural sectors in difficulty. The reasons for the area’s success stem from the combination of three elements: tourism, migration of French citizens (with a reversal of the flow) and local development. The current dynamism seems to be carried by tourism. Aubrac, with its countryside of broad summer pastures and its excellent environment is benefiting from the popularity of green tourism and the search for “authenticity” in rural areas with strong identities. Tourism development is accompanied by resurgence in locally made products, such as flatware and cheese. Gastronomy and the restaurant industry in general are solidifying the region’s reputation. Beyond satisfying tourism consumption, production in these industries is intensifying in order to reach urban clientele as well.

The role of tourism seems therefore to be essential to the understanding of the renewal in Aubrac Mountain. It has paved the way for this new dynamic based on a close-knit and determined local society, supported by its emigrants living in the capital city throughout the 20th century. The lessons from the Aubrac’s case allow wondering about necessary conditions for sustainable development.  

Keywords: rural tourism, sustainable development, Aubrac mountain, Local development

By Olivier Dehoorne, GEODE - University Antilles-Guyane, French West Indies Corina Criste, University of Oradea (Roumania)