Le va-et-vient identitaire

Abstract

The wave of Portuguese migrants to European countries and in particular to France began in the 1960s. Boosted by the arrival of dependent relatives, the Portuguese community in France, has gradually grown until today it numbers nearly one million, with members spread throughout France though with a strong concentration in the Paris region and in the main cities. A characteristic of the Portuguese community in France is the practice of making regular return visits to the village of origin. Those who go back to Portugal in the holidays invest in their home village – having a house built is the symbol of success – and try to participate in local life despite their long absence for the rest of the year.

The collective capital of migration experience built up over almost three decades has served to maintain the equilibrium of the local society and ease the integration of the Portuguese communities in their host countries.