Village flats-for-pupils plan

The school at Ascros, 45 km northwest of Nice, has 11 pupils. A neighbouring village school has just 10. Both could be closed as they have fewer than the officially mandated 12 students.

Authorities in the 160-resident village own two three-bedroom apartments and one two-bed property, which have been offered for rent at no more than €200 a month to attract more families.