Romane Frachon
9 APRIL 2025
A journalist from Clermont-Ferrand with a long-standing passion for the culture of Spanish-speaking countries. One of her research topics was immigrant women in Europe
A journalist from Clermont-Ferrand with a long-standing passion for the culture of Spanish-speaking countries. One of her research topics was immigrant women in Europe
First, I always wanted to travel. Second, writing came naturally to me. My mother had a big library, so I grew up reading a lot—I was lucky in that way. I was never drawn to math or physics; I came from a different world. I wanted to become a theater actress, and I also played the accordion.
How did you get into journalism?
It was completely demolished in 2023 because it was going to collapse itself. In its place, the city is building a large park in what was once a disadvantaged neighborhood. I think that’s a great change. Every time I passed by the building while visiting my brother in hospital in the years after I moved out I felt awful.
What does Muraille de Chine look like now?
What was Muraille de Chine like?
It was a well-known social housing building in Clermont-Ferrand, offering a view of the volcano. Built in 1961 for Michelin workers, it later became home to many immigrants. When I lived there, I saw a lot of crime, poverty, and drug-related issues.
I spent part of my childhood in Saint-Jacques, Muraille de Chine, with my brother and father, and another near Jaude, in affluent Nestor Perret, with my mother. Unfortunately, I always wanted to leave Clermont and experience life elsewhere, which is why I ended up living in South America and other Spanish-speaking countries.
Tell us about yourself
Yes, absolutely! I think people need to travel to understand the world — how it works and what exists beyond their "cave." Traveling is a privilege. I appreciate Clermont-Ferrand, but seeing the world is essential. Only after all my travels have I been able to truly understand what matters to me here and how to appreciate it.
Do you think your experience could benefit Clermont?
Efficiency! But to be honest, I’m not very optimistic about journalism in Europe and France. You shouldn’t be chasing money, but you must be disciplined, quick, and always ahead in gathering information. Fact-checking is essential. And of course, you need to know how to film, shoot, record, and master all forms of media.
What skills are most important for journalists?
Human qualities: empathy, integrity, and genuine connection without competition. Unfortunately, I’ve found these values more often in women than in men, but I hope that changes. I appreciate it when people care about each other, apologize when necessary, and show respect.
What do you value most in the people you work with?
I think it’s their way of life. People there are incredibly supportive! I love that they take a nap after work, then go out to a bar with friends and truly enjoy life. There’s a strong sense of solidarity, so people don’t feel alone. They listen to you attentively and are more tactile in their interactions. I find that beautiful, especially in Cuba.
What inspires you about the culture of Spanish-speaking countries?
— People need to travel to understand the world — how it works and what exists beyond their "cave."
The Short Film Festival, of course! I’m sure everyone tells you the same thing. As you know, people from all over the world come to see the competition. I also love Les Arts en Balade — a workshop in May that is supported by the local community.
What events in Clermont do you like?
Le Lac Servière and Stade Gabriel Montpied. I also love the architecture of Clermont’s concrete buildings — it reminds me of Swiss architecture and a Soviet-era style called Le Corbusier. It also makes me think of my favorite building in Cuba called Edificio Giron. And the School of Architecture in Croix-de-Neyrat is fascinating.
What places in Clermont inspire you the most?
I’ve made peace with both the city and my childhood. Since I was 17 (14 years ago), I’ve never lived here permanently—only visiting for holidays or when I had things to take care of. Now, I see Clermont’s potential. Michelin has stayed and reinvested in the city, which is why it isn’t poor as it could be. We need more culture that comes from people, not from the state, I don’t want burgeois culture for my people, I don’t want us to look like Paris or Lyon.
What do you think about Clermont now?
