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IN BRIEF
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Bernard Le Royer, an emblematic figure of Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei in Orne, has just been honored by the Department of Orne for his exceptional commitment to promoting local tourism and to veterans. From his professional journey to his associative involvement, and through his role in revitalizing local heritage, Bernard Le Royer’s path illustrates a constant passion for serving the community and preserving memories.
A career dedicated to public service and the municipality
As a committed former elected official, Bernard Le Royer has left his mark on Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei, classified among the Most Beautiful Villages in France. Retired from the banking sector, he early directed his energy toward the development of local tourism, first in Fresnay-sur-Sarthe where he presided over the tourist office, and then within the regional federation of Pays de la Loire and national bodies specializing in the promotion of remarkable villages.
His investment benefited the national association of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, allowing the Orne municipality to shine on the tourist scene, as evidenced by the dynamics of similar territories analyzed in the evolution of impact tourism.
The craftsman of a sought-after destination
With his vision and skills, Bernard Le Royer has devoted much of his life to making Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei an essential destination. His passion for hospitality has been expressed in the creation of the Auberge de la Vallée, inaugurated in 1967. This establishment quickly became famous in the region, combining family hospitality with local gastronomy. For over thirty years, he has juggled his banking job with managing this renowned inn, a symbol of attachment to tradition and conviviality.
Always eager to enhance the built environment, he also transformed La maison à Joséphine, a remarkable building that is now part of the charming homes of the village. This desire to preserve and enhance rural attractiveness is part of an approach valued by initiatives such as those carried out for sustainable tourism and heritage preservation, discussed in biodiversity at the heart of UNESCO tourism.
Recognition by the Department of Orne
To emphasize the importance of his actions and exemplary dedication, the Department of Orne awarded him the Medal of Honor, established in 1991 to recognize citizens who work for their community. This distinction acknowledges all of his investment for the common good, akin to the unique local initiatives that shape rural areas, whose spirit is comparable to that of other characterful villages presented in the experience of a Provençal village away from mass tourism.
During the official medal presentation, the president of the departmental council, Christophe de Balorre, emphasized the value of such commitments, highlighting that Bernard Le Royer is an example of altruism and the transmission of Orne values.
Commitment to veterans
Mobilized in Algeria for twenty-two months, Bernard Le Royer has always maintained a strong connection to the duty of memory. Since 2005, he has presided over the Veterans’ Association of La Ferrière-Bochard/Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei, engaging in commemoration and solidarity actions, which are essential for maintaining intergenerational social bonds. This role as a bearer of memory helps perpetuate the memory of conflicts and support the families of former mobilized individuals, a vocation echoed by various associations across French territory.
A lasting and exemplary commitment to the territory
Beyond his distinctions, Bernard Le Royer embodies a journey marked by loyalty, innovation, and openness. Whether it is about dynamizing the tourist season, as seen in some regions mentioned in the launch of the tourist season, or working toward the recognition of his village, he has continually defended the interests of his municipality and its inhabitants. This lasting involvement inspires many local actors eager to develop the heritage and vitality of their territories, as evidenced by strategies visible in the vision of tourism in Corsica.
