Change and depopulation

Like much of Corsica, Quenza has been severely affected by out-migration. Corsicans have sought work on the continent for hundreds of years. Before the 19th century they often left to serve in various state armies. The development of an industrialised state with its necessary bureaucracy in France, together with improving communications and education led to many people seeking work in French cities, in particular Marseille and Paris. Corsicans were also prominent in French colonial expansion.

Alongside this story of desertion, there has in fact been a history in in-migration. Migrant labourers have come to the area for seasonal work and a number of entrepreneurs have taken up residence. In the past such people tended to be of Italian origin, mostly from Tuscany and the Levantine coast. Some found economic niches and settled permanently, marrying into local families. Today in-migrants are from Portugal and North Africa with a number of people from other parts of Europe choosing to retire in the village.

Despite this, the population of Quenza continues to decline and severe age imbalance is now a problem. Some people who left to work on the continent have come back to spend their retirement in the village. But there is little work in the mountains and therefore few people under 60 years. Most families want their children to have a good education but this inevitably means working in towns and cities.

The numbers of families with children has declined so much that the village primary school is threatened with closure. If this happens the remaining young families may well leave. Many of the permanent population are elderly but the nearest doctor is at Levie, 13km away over twisting mountain roads. The village has two shops but used to have many more. Mobile shops call during the week. Private transport is a necessity as the only public transport to and from the village is a bus on Mondays and Fridays.

Quenza from October to May has a small population (about 100) many of whom are retired. A number of people live close to work in the towns during the week but in the village at weekends. Older children attend schools and college in Ajaccio and live there all week. In summer former residents and tourists come to the village, swelling the population to many times the winter norm. Special occasions such as elections also see a brief period of animation. Tourism, mostly walking and touring, is an important part of the summer economy. The village has a hotel, a pizzeria and a riding stables. Attempts are being made to develop adventure holidays and also cross-country skiing in winter.