A young man in southwestern France is leveraging social media to revitalize interest in the Occitan language and culture, specifically its Gascon dialect. Victor Chauvat, a 24-year-old student, is gaining a following for his creative online content, highlighting a linguistic tradition facing endangerment according to UNESCO [[2]].His efforts underscore the importance of preserving linguistic diversity as a key component of cultural identity and community well-being, a concern echoed by minority rights organizations [[1]].
A young man in southwestern France is using social media to revitalize interest in the Occitan language and culture. His efforts highlight the importance of preserving linguistic diversity, which can be linked to cultural identity and community well-being.
Victor Chauvat, Sharing Gascon Culture Online
Victor Chauvat, a 24-year-old student at Sciences Po Bordeaux, is exploring the Gascon language not just as a linguistic subject, but as a vibrant part of the region’s social and cultural fabric. He approaches the topic through his academic work and personal projects, offering a sociological perspective on its continued relevance.
Chauvat first encountered the Occitan language through the learning method A hum de calhau. Le gascon en 25 leçons. This initial exposure deepened his understanding of the language’s current state and the existence of a living culture with its own history and traditions. He further developed his interest by dedicating his sociology thesis to the Occitan language of Gascony.
For the past two years, Chauvat has also been active on Instagram and TikTok under the name “Un Gascon en Trimbalada” (A Gascon Rambler). He shares short videos focusing on Gascon expressions, local place names, and regional history, often with a humorous touch. His account now has over 4,000 followers.
Some videos have gained significant traction, such as an ASMR rendition of the Pythagorean theorem in Gascon, which has surpassed 30,000 views. This demonstrates a creative and unexpected way to showcase the language’s versatility.
Chauvat’s work was also featured in a report by Viure al País, broadcast on France 3 Occitanie, which presented his background and approach.
L’oeil de Nina n°6 : Gascon en Trimbalada
Upcoming Occitan Events in Dordogne
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Boulazac Isle Manoire (24)
8:00 PM–10:30 PM
The Tuesday Evening Ball of the Zinzonaires
Traditional/Folk Ball
With Los Zinzonaires
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Périgueux (24)
7:00 PM–11:00 PM
Traditional Christmas Evening at BAM
Traditional/Folk Ball
Friday, December 19, 2025
Badefols-sur-Dordogne (24)
8:30 PM–11:30 PM
Workshop and Traditional Ball on Stage
Traditional/Folk Ball
Open Stage
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Les Eyzies (24)
5:00 PM December 31 to 4:00 PM January 1
The Night of Trad
Traditional/Folk Ball, Dance Workshops and Festival
With Bruit Kid, Inizi, Ivan Rajalu (Ivan Durêve), La Ciguë, Le Mange Bal
Sold Out, no ticket sales on site
Condat-sur-Vézère (24)
7:30 PM–11:30 PM
New Year’s Eve Traditional Ball
Traditional/Folk Ball
With BBC Bolhon Bal et Cie
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Mussidan (24)
Gerbaud Hall
6th Night of Trad in Périgord
With Rémi Geffroy, Plume Duo, Socam
ATTENTION Sold Out, no ticket sales on site
