Francine Brochot: "A page turns, but the book does not close"
Upon her departure from the town hall on February 2, 2016, Francine Brochot recounted a life in communication and nearly eight years of service to the mayor.
It was with palpable emotion that Francine Brochot, a well-known local figure, spoke on February 2, 2016, to mark her departure from the office of the mayor of Le Lavandou, Gil Bernardi. Before elected officials, municipal staff, and friends, she delivered a speech reflecting on a rich career, while looking to the future, refusing to see this milestone as an end.
"The word retirement is not in my vocabulary, and besides, a turning page does not mean the book is closing. It is simply one of life's episodes, another chapter," she declared from the outset.
From Paris to Provence, a life of communication
Before becoming a figure of the Var coastline, Francine Brochot forged her experience in the capital. Her career, entirely dedicated to communication, led her to navigate spheres as varied as national and international non-profit sectors, broadcasting, and representing France at film festivals abroad. She also frequented political and ministerial circles, as well as the artistic world, alongside her husband Gérard.
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In 1981, amid a context of national political change, the couple chose to settle in Provence, setting their sights on the area of Bormes-les-Mimosas and Le Lavandou. A choice guided, at the time, by two influential Var elected officials.
Local roots through journalism
Francine Brochot's integration into the local fabric truly materialized in late 1987, when she joined the office of the daily newspaper Var-Matin in Le Lavandou, on Rue Charles Cazin, alongside Jean-Ciano. This experience as a local correspondent opened the doors of the municipality and its inhabitants to her.
"This local correspondence allowed me to get to know your community life, to meet many families, and thus to integrate into Bormes-Lavandou life, as well as that of the Var, thanks to the beginning of a friendship with Yann Piat," she recalled, evoking the tragic fate of the MP for the 3rd constituency.
It was also during this period, in 1992, that she met Gil Bernardi, then on the campaign trail. She would subsequently follow his actions as a journalist during his first two mayoral terms.
Eight years of service to Le Lavandou
Their professional collaboration began during Gil Bernardi's third term, in April 2008, when Francine Brochot accepted the position of assistant in his cabinet. A role she held until February 2016, at the start of the mayor's fourth term. She described this period as a "highly appreciated [...] collaboration," praising the work accomplished with elected officials and all municipal departments.
Addressing the staff directly, she spun a maritime metaphor to highlight their essential role in the smooth running of the local authority.
"If you have a mayor who holds the helm well like a true sailor, especially during heavy storms, it is also thanks to you, at whatever level, that the ship holds steady and does not take on water," she insisted, encouraging them to pursue their mission on behalf of the taxpayers.
An open future and continued commitment
Far from ending her active life, Francine Brochot announced she was giving herself time to reflect on a new professional chapter, while confirming her unwavering attachment to local life. She notably pledged her continuous support to the Le Lavandou-Kronberg twinning committee, chaired by Gérard Brochot. After warmly thanking her family for their constant support, she concluded her speech with a promise.
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"I embrace you all and say... See you very soon, for this is but a farewell! ".
Read also: the death notice of Francine Brochot, a figure of journalism and local Var life