Papi Gaston, 87, threatened with eviction despite an agreement for work
Quick Look
- At 87, former resin worker Jean-Claude Gaston, known as “Papi Gaston”, lives in an unsanitary house on the edge of the forest near La Teste-de-Buch.
- Despite an agreement in 2025 with former mayor Patrick Davet and the coastal conservatory to finance work, the new mayor Thierry Gouaichault refuses to continue the aid in 2026, leaving Papi Gaston under threat of eviction since 2021.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Jean-Claude Gaston, aged 87, lives in a stone house inherited from his mother, located on the edge of the forest near La Teste-de-Buch. The building, damaged by a fallen tree in 2020, has cracks, a roof protected by an insufficient tarpaulin and substandard electricity. Deemed unsanitary, it has been the subject of threats of eviction since 2021.
In his house, Jean-Claude Gaston, known as “Papi Gaston”, watches through the window as the authorities come towards him. At the age of 87, the former resin worker lives in a stone house on the edge of the forest. Transmitted and acquired orally by his mother, “at a time when the word given was enough”, the building has aged with its inhabitants. A tree fell on the roof in 2020. The tarpaulin, which protects it, does not prevent humidity from seeping into the cabin. Besides, some walls are cracked. As for the electricity, it is no longer up to standard. The home is considered unsanitary, but Papi Gaston insists on staying there despite the threats of eviction that have been threatening him since 2021. In 2025, the former mayor of Teste-de-Buch, Patrick Davet, agreed with the Conservatoire du Littoral, which has jurisdiction over this territory, to help Papi Gaston stay at home by helping him do work.
But in 2026, the town hall has changed hands. However, the new mayor, Thierry Gouaichault, does not intend to finance…
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The town hall of La Teste-de-Buch will be asked to review its decision concerning aid for Papi Gaston's work.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What are the precise reasons for the new mayor's refusal to finance the work?
- What alternatives were offered to Papi Gaston for his rehousing?
- What is the current state of negotiations between Papi Gaston and the town hall?
