L’agriculture, élément de la qualité de vie des villes moyennes

Among the characteristics of medium-sized towns, their « quality of life » is often emphasized. We propose, through this article, to consider how agriculture contributes to this qualitative image. We will lean on a field survey conducted in three towns in the Rhone-Alps region: Annecy, Bourg-en-Bresse and Montbrison. We will see that these towns use various entrances to highlight their link with agriculture: the food markets, elements of their « local life » ; heritage, particularly through the organization of « agricultural » events ; local products, by the reference to the « local gastronomy ». Thus, agriculture seems integrated with the image of these towns, and sees itself exploited to specify their quality of life and assert their identity.