Thiérache

The lack of restaurants and cafes in Thiérache is striking. It's clear that many establishments have disappeared in recent decades or are currently for sale. The reasons for the disappearance of restaurants and cafes in Thiérache? Demographic decline and an aging population undoubtedly play a significant role. And the fact that tourism is not developing significantly doesn't promote growth either.

The Thierache region has a small population (approximately 220,000 inhabitants across a vast area), or only 40-65 inhabitants per square kilometer. By comparison, the population density in Flanders will average 504 inhabitants per km² in 2025. The Thierache region also has an older and aging population, with an average age of 47-50 years (estimated). Flanders, which already has a significantly aging population, is at 44 years old. Brussels, for example, is at 38 years old.

Many establishments that once served a social and economic role in villages have closed. Often, the building is still recognizable as a former café, inn, or restaurant, but now serves as housing, or is for sale or vacant. Many villages still have the buildings of the former inn or pub – often prominently displayed next to the church or town hall – but they are either closed or for sale.

Take Parfondeval , the prettiest village in Thiérache with many tourist attractions. It still has one restaurant. And when we were there, it was closed.

The disappearance of the hospitality industry is, of course, just one indicator that reveals something is wrong with the socio-economic fabric. The disappearance of the hospitality industry is the most visible indicator, but the structural problems run deeper: the closure of shops and facilities, an aging population, unemployment, poverty, social isolation, and limited access to education and employment .

Pascal Brackman