France's Small Rural Shops Revive: State Aid Saves Roquecor Grocery, Entrepreneurs Open Val d’Hazey Snack

The Épicerie du Roc in Roquecor, a village of about 400 residents in Tarn‑et‑Garonne, reopened on 16 June 2026 after the municipality received a €48,000 grant from the French state’s “France Ruralités” programme. The funding, awarded in 2025 as part of a nationwide effort to sustain rural commerce, covered the purchase of the shop, modernization work and allowed the appointment of new manager Sandrine Roussel. Mayor Pierre Le Goulven attended the inauguration and announced future plans to add postal and newspaper services.

In the Eure department, the snack shop at Parc du Crapa in Val d’Hazey reopened on 1 July 2026 under the brand Les Gourmandises du Crapa. Former market vendors Aurélie and Stéphanie took over the premises, aiming to establish a permanent, family‑friendly venue. The outlet offers classic snacks such as croque‑monsieur, bruschettas and ice‑cream, sourcing fresh local products where possible, and has organised a series of community events to attract visitors through October 2026.