After a long absence from French television, the iconic game show Intervilles is set to make its much-anticipated return on July 3, 2025, promising an exciting revival that is expected to captivate both nostalgic fans and a new audience. This beloved show, originally created in 1962, historically showcased friendly competition between French cities through a series of ludicrous physical challenges. It initially ran for ten years before the show paused its broadcasts in 1972. After several revivals over the decades and a notably unsuccessful attempt to relaunch in 2020 due to the pandemic, it seems that the Intervilles magic is back.
Once again at the helm will be the charismatic host Nagui, who previously orchestrated the show’s revival in 2004, bringing familiarity to long-time viewers. Joining him on stage will be a vibrant and distinguished cast of co-hosts, including Bruno Guillon, Camille Cerf, Valérie Bègue, and the ever-energetic Magali Ripoll, who is set to add a musical twist to the show. Additionally, Yoann Riou will take on the role of the quirky referee to oversee the fun and games.
However, this revival comes with a notable change that has already stirred controversy: the decision to eliminate the show's beloved vachettes. The cows had been an emblematic feature of Intervilles since its inception, playing a pivotal role in many of the outrageous challenges. But due to growing concerns around animal welfare, this traditional element will be replaced by a new mascot named Topa – a fictional red cow with a charming blonde tuft, described by the production team as ‘very gentle’ and hoping to become an influencer in her own right.
The reception to Topa has been mixed. On social media, reactions have ranged from enthusiastic support to outright skepticism. Valérie Bègue, one of the co-hosts, expressed her excitement with the comment, "Magnifique! Bienvenue Topa, hâte de te voir œuvrer dans Intervilles!" capturing the hopeful spirit that Topa intends to bring to the revived show. Others, however, voiced their displeasure, insisting that "Intervilles sans vachettes, ce n'est pas Intervilles," a sentiment echoed by Charles Dayot, the mayor of Mont-de-Marsan. Local communities like Dax, Mont-de-Marsan, and Bayonne have voiced their unhappiness, and they have officially opted to boycott the new edition, deeming it unacceptable to carry on without the original vachettes.
Some comments from audiences reflect that the nostalgia tied to the vachettes might not easily transfer to Topa, igniting debates over the modernizing direction the show is taking. Many commenters called the new approach ridiculous, suggesting it could lead to a decrease in audience engagement. One user cynically remarked, “Excusez-moi d’exprimer mon ressenti, qui est très négatif, mais nous ne sommes pourtant pas le 1er avril?!”, highlighting the skepticism around whether this change truly honors the essence of the show.
Despite the controversies, the anticipation for Intervilles’ return is palpable. The production team is working hard to ensure that they honor the foundation while also modernizing the show to appeal to a more contemporary audience. With a new look, talented hosts, and a whimsical mascot, Intervilles aims to rekindle the charm and exuberance that made it a staple of French entertainment for generations.
As the premiere date draws near, France 2, the show’s network, is preparing vibrant marketing campaigns to galvanize viewership and celebrate the show’s legacy. The new format promises to retain the spirited physical competitions cherished by fans while introducing engaging new elements that align with present-day sensibilities.
Ultimately, Intervilles seeks to balance nostalgia with innovation as it gears up for its comeback this summer. Whether Topa will win the hearts of viewers remains to be seen, but the excitement surrounding its return suggests that this classic game show still has a pulse and is ready to entertain, albeit in a world transformed by evolving social values.
