Michel Courtie: Solitary Life in the Abandoned Village of Comes

Solitary Life in Comes Village

• 💡 Michel Courtie has lived alone for 10-15 years in the abandoned village of Comes, France, since his parents' death and sisters' departure.
• 📌 The village was largely abandoned in the 1920s and 30s due to drought, a problem that continues today.
• 💧 Michel was forced to sell his sheep flock because of severe drought, with his well going from overflowing in 2020 to completely dry in 2023.

Rustic Living and Daily Routines

• 🛠️ He embraces a minimalist, off-grid lifestyle, lacking running water, a refrigerator, or a car.
• 🚿 Michel takes cold showers using collected water in summer and uses a house in the valley for winter showers, mail, and taxes.
• 🛒 He relies on friends and neighbors for grocery shopping and transportation, as he chooses not to drive.

Passion for Knowledge and Nature

• 📚 Michel dedicates up to 8 hours a day to reading, with a vast collection of books on history, archaeology, politics, philosophy, and religion.
• 🌳 He finds space and freedom in nature, often sleeping outdoors in summer, and contrasts his peaceful existence with the crowded life in cities like Paris.
• 🧠 Despite his isolation, he states he never feels lonely and considers himself "rich" due to his books and surroundings.

Enduring Spirit and Future Plans

• 💪 Michel possesses a strong moral compass and a deep contentment with his chosen way of life.
• 🏡 He intends to remain in Comes until his death, following his father's example, and rejects the idea of living in a nursing home.
• 🤝 His neighbors, Véronique and Robert, provide essential support like water and laundry, acknowledging the challenges of his remote existence.