Testimonials
Interview with Jean-Marc Peillex: a collaboration between Saint-Gervais and Yamanouchi
Jean-Marc Peillex, Mayor of Saint-Gervais, was in Japan to strengthen a strategic partnership between his town and Yamanouchi. In this interview, he looks back at this collaboration’s origins, aims and prospects.
▶️ 11 minutes
? Language : french - available subtitles : french and english
The birth of the partnership:
The partnership between Saint-Gervais and Yamanouchi was born out of opportunities and meetings facilitated by the Lyon consulate. The two towns, which share similarities in profile (ski resorts, thermal baths and mountains), quickly agreed to formalise the agreement. A protocol was signed to develop joint projects in less than a year.
Objectives and initiatives:
Jean-Marc Peillex explains that this partnership goes well beyond traditional twinning. The aim is to create cultural and educational exchanges between young people. Initiatives involving schools and municipal children's councils are underway, with planned exchanges. Another crucial area is gastronomy. The two towns want to organise culinary exchanges to promote their local specialities.
Knowledge transfer:
Saint-Gervais is contributing its expertise in ski resort management and sustainable development. Jean-Marc Peillex emphasises the importance of limiting excessive infrastructure, consolidating ski lifts and diversifying activities beyond winter to exploit the potential of all four seasons.
Enhancing the value of the area:
The mayor stresses the importance of developing a policy centred on the local population. In Saint-Gervais, this approach has helped to stem the rural exodus and increase the permanent population. He encourages Yamanouchi to adopt a similar approach to preserve local life and avoid exclusive dependence on seasonal tourism.
Climate change and snow cover:
Although the French Alps are facing increasing challenges from global warming, Yamanouchi still benefits from abundant natural snow cover. Jean-Marc Peillex stresses the importance for Japan of exploiting this opportunity to attract visitors while remaining respectful of the environment.
A model for the future:
Saint-Gervais is presented as an example of a balanced resort, active 11 months out of 12, thanks to a policy that intelligently mixes permanent residents, tourists and diversified activities. The mayor hopes that this model can inspire Yamanouchi.
Conclusion:
This collaboration is a unique opportunity for two mountain regions, united by their ambition to develop sustainable tourism, to share experiences and create value.
