Local author Jacques Decros has published a new edition of his book on the commercial history of Figeac after copies sold out within a month.
The work, titled Il était une fois... Figeac : artisans, commerçants, industriels, sells for 28 euros in local bookstores and at the cultural space in neighboring Capdenac-le-Haut. It was originally released nearly a year ago to document professional life in the town from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century and the start of France's post-war economic boom.
In an interview with La Dépêche du Midi correspondent Michel Cavarroc, Decros explained how the town evolved from a dense network of independent shops into a modern commercial hub. Figeac, located in the Lot department of southwestern France, is historically known as the birthplace of Egyptologist Jean-François Champollion.
A thriving center of small businesses
Decros said that in the early 20th century, Figeac maintained an exceptionally dense commercial network despite the modest incomes of its residents. The town center housed roughly 44 small grocery stores within a compact area, where residents purchased virtually all their daily goods. These shops sold food items alongside small hardware and cans of petrol, while also functioning as vital social hubs where neighbors exchanged news and maintained close community ties.
Fairs and markets played an essential role in daily life at a time when surrounding rural communes operated almost in autarky. Decros noted that while Saturday markets remain popular in Figeac today, historical markets were vital for survival. Each public square hosted a specific market, filling the streets with activity from early morning.
Farmers from neighboring villages traveled into town at daybreak to sell livestock including rabbits, chickens, and ducks without any administrative or sanitary restrictions. They also used the trips to buy goods that were unavailable in their home villages, making the monthly fair one of the largest events on the local calendar.
The arrival of modern retail
The first major shift toward modern retail occurred in 1912 with the opening of Nouvelles Galeries on Rue Gambetta. Considered Figeac's first department store, the two-story business offered a wide array of products under one roof at competitive prices, sparing shoppers from traveling to multiple stores across town. The site is currently occupied by a small E.Leclerc supermarket.
Traditional small businesses began a broader decline during the 1950s and 1960s following the Second World War. Specialized trades such as harness makers, saddlers, and wheelwrights gradually disappeared as tractors replaced oxen on local farms and private automobiles became common.
During the same post-war period, the local Ratier industrial plant experienced strong expansion, helping propel Figeac into the modern era. The book's second printing ensures readers can access this detailed record of the town's economic transformation.
