This photograph shows the storefront of a closed business in Saint-Gaudens, where commercial vacancy has increased over the past ten years on July 29, 2026. 'For sale', 'to let', 'potential to convert into a home': the streets of Saint-Gaudens' old town are dotted with closed-down commercial premises, whilst this town of just over 12,000 inhabitants at the foot of the Pyrenees fears losing its paper pulp mill and the hundreds of jobs it provides. "Watchmaker and jeweller", "quick alterations", "hairdresser", "optician" these are the signs visible on some of the abandoned shop fronts, giving a clue as to what sort of business once occupied the premises. In other cases, there is no trace left of the former business. Some shop windows are even completely covered by posters of all kinds, including some dating back several years, such as one calling for a protest against the 2023 pension reforms. (Photo by Lionel BONAVENTURE / AFP via Getty Images)