At 82 years old, Pierre Javaux has found an unexpected passion that has transformed not only his daily routine but also the streets of his hometown Champagnole, France. "My secret? You always have to have something to do!" declares Javaux, sitting on cardboard boxes on the ground with paintbrushes in hand, working on a massive mural in the butcher's alley (across from the town hall) that leads to the Ain River promenades.

Since early June 2025, Javaux has maintained an unusual schedule: butcher in the morning, painter in the afternoon. This energetic octogenarian continues his lifelong work at the family charcuterie laboratory at the famous Relais du Fumé, located on Avenue de la République, where he specializes in curing meats. However, his afternoons are now dedicated to an artistic project that has captured the attention and admiration of locals and visitors alike.

"I was born here and I've been looking at this sad, dirty wall for more than 80 years. I've had the idea to do something about it for a long time, to complement what was done on the facade of our wall across the street, but I never had the time," Javaux explains with an amused smile. "I took advantage of my vacation time, when the store was closed for three weeks, to launch this project."

Javaux is far from a typical retiree. Every morning, he continues working in the laboratory of the family charcuterie business, the renowned Relais du Fumé. After taking over from his parents, Raymond and Augusta Javaux, in the 1970s, Pierre and his wife Thérèse remained involved in the business even after their daughter Edwige and her husband took over leadership of the family enterprise in 2005.

What began as a modest artistic endeavor has evolved into something far more ambitious. "To launch my project, I asked the widow who owns the house if she would authorize me to create a small mural on this wall. Initially, I thought I would paint two or three silhouettes in shadow puppet style," explains Javaux, who then embarked alone on a project much larger than originally planned.

The work started with extensive cleaning of the facade covering approximately 1,600 square feet, followed by applying a first coat of paint, then a second. "For choosing the colors, I asked my daughter who studied at the Fine Arts school. She's the one who advised me on the three main colors. And then, without making sketches, I just started," he recalls.

What was supposed to be "two or three silhouettes in shadow puppet style" has transformed into several species of animals from the Jura forests taking shape under his brushes: golden eagles, kites, wild boars, deer, fawns, grouse, rabbits, butterflies, and doves of peace. "Animals speak to everyone," Javaux notes.

"I never thought I would be capable of creating such a mural. I've always done manual work, particularly masonry when we needed to expand the store – I was as much a mason as I was a butcher. As for painting, I had been interested in it a few years ago, but it had bored me. This time, I really got caught up in the game. I modify, I add elements, touches of color," he recounts with amusement.

The mural now extends along the return wall at the bottom of the alley, and Javaux has also indicated on the ground the direction to the Ain River banks, located just over 300 feet away. In addition to being a butcher, mason, and painter, he has also become an informal tourist information point for visitors and passersby who don't hesitate to take photos to immortalize this refreshing exchange with the man locals have dubbed "Papicasso."

What touches him most are the reactions from passersby: "Bravo! Thank you, sir, for this beautiful creation! Congratulations!" The comments are endless. "When I see kids telling me it's beautiful – that's pure happiness!" says Javaux.

The mural graces the butcher's alley that leads to the Ain River banks, and Javaux, often accompanied by his grandchildren, readily engages with passersby who stop to admire his work. His story demonstrates that creativity and passion have no age limits, and that sometimes the most beautiful projects emerge when we least expect them.

The Relais du Fumé, the family charcuterie business, has been a celebrated establishment in Champagnole for three generations of the Javaux family. Pierre's continued involvement in both the traditional family trade and his newfound artistic expression represents a unique blend of preserving heritage while embracing new creative outlets.

Javaux's transformation from morning butcher to afternoon artist has not only beautified a previously neglected corner of Champagnole but has also brought joy to countless residents and visitors who encounter his colorful depiction of local wildlife. His work serves as a testament to the idea that it's never too late to discover new talents and contribute to one's community in unexpected ways.