Segonzac dawdles its way to award

A SLEEPY village in the Charente has become the first in France to be officially recognised as such, picking up an award for its laid-back way of life.

Segonzac, near Cognac, has joined 140 other villages in 21 countries around the world to have been awarded the Cittaslow badge.

The concept, which was launched in Italy in 1999, is designed to encourage people to go back to their local roots: respecting the environment, making time for each other and supporting local trade.

Locals are so proud of their pace of life that the council has approved a new logo for the village: a snail.

Mayor Véronique Marendat said: “Parents are always telling their children to hurry up, do this, do that. It’s important that people still find the time to maintain links with family, friends and neighbours.”

A number of representatives from the village will attend the Foire de Paris festival next year to promote their work and “the benefits of slowness”.