Mobility makers - the movie!

At the heart of this research is a powerful idea: that better mutual understanding and greater solidarity between generations can help shape more effective and equitable mobility systems. To explore this hypothesis, Cerema undertook an “action-research” project in mid-2024, culminating in the production of a documentary film titled "Voyage au Pays de Lumbres."

The film was shot on the CCPL territority in June and September 2024. The documentary captures the daily mobility experiences of ten local residents—five young people aged 13 to 25, and five older adults aged 65 and up. Through a combination of "commented commuting trips" and guided "obstacle courses" (“parcours du combattant”), the participants reflected on their travel habits, challenges, and adaptability when encouraged to try alternative modes of transport.

Sociologist Joël Meissonnier from Cerema accompanied the participants, documenting not only their travel routes but also their reflections on what works—and what doesn’t—in their current mobility environment. The film was directed by Nathaël Rusch (Resonances Film), who brought a human-centred perspective to the filming process and captured the emotional and practical realities of life on the move in a rural setting.

The premiere of "Voyage au Pays de Lumbres" took place on 16 June 2025, in the presence of key local stakeholders including the sub-prefect of Saint-Omer, Madam Sophie Pages, and the president of the CCPL, Mr. Christian Leroy. The event marked a major milestone for the project and set the stage for future community discussions and screenings.

Additional film screenings are planned throughout 2025, including a significant event in early October in Lille, where European project partners will be invited to engage with the documentary and contribute their insights. These upcoming gatherings will serve as an opportunity to exchange knowledge, compare practices, and deepen the collaborative spirit of the project.

To extend the reach of the film and better understand its impact, a series of questionnaires has been developed to collect feedback from various audiences. These surveys are an essential part of the action-research methodology and are designed to assess knowledge, perceptions, and behavioural intentions related to mobility.

There are several types of surveys available:

• One questionnaire is designed for adult residents of the Pays de Lumbres who participated in or viewed the documentary.
• A second version is tailored for young people under the age of 18 from the same area.
• A third set of questionnaires is available to people outside the CCPL area who have watched the film and wish to share their thoughts.

All surveys are accessible in both French and English and are available in print and digital formats. Viewers are encouraged to watch the documentary in full before responding, to ensure thoughtful and informed feedback.

A follow-up survey will be conducted in 2026 to measure the longer-term impact of the project—particularly in relation to reducing the use of solo car travel in low-density areas. This research will inform the development of future mobility strategies, not only in the Pays de Lumbres but potentially across similar rural territories in Europe.

📽️ Watch the documentary film
Voyage au Pays de Lumbres (French and English subtitles).

📝 Take the survey

• For Pays de Lumbres residents:
  Adult Questionnaire (local residents) | Youth Questionnaire (under 18)
  (Please note: These versions are only for residents of the Pays de Lumbres.)
• For non-residents:
  General Audience Questionnaire
  (Please watch the film before answering.)

By reflecting on your own mobility practices and learning from others’ lived experiences, you can help shape the future of sustainable, inclusive transport—starting in your own community.

Contact Cerema Hauts-de-France
📧 Patrick Palmier / Nathalie Pitaval
For more information about the project, screenings, or data collection efforts.