Toulouse: the adventures of Louis-Bertrand Lozevis in the land of Tintin, it’s over!
For Louis-Bertrand Lozevis, the creator of Espace Tintin, in Toulouse, it is now: retirement goal. After 22 years of good and loyal service in favor of Hergé’s hero, he finally lowers the curtain of his shop. Not without emotion.
A few days before the final closure of L’Espace Tintin, place des Puits Clos, in the heart of Toulouse, an incessant ballet of customers crosses the threshold of the shop. In waves.
“Some come to congratulate me and thank me for the happiness I have given them for 22 years. Others are there to buy a last souvenir in memory of the store”, announces Louis-Bertrand Lozevis, the owner of the place. So many marks of sympathy to which he is very sensitive. “It’s very gratifying even if it doesn’t prevent a little pang in the heart. For the customers and even for me, it’s very difficult to leave”, recognizes the servant of Tintin.
In announcing its closure in the press, a fortnight before Christmas, Espace Tintin did not expect such a crowd. “We received a little more people than usual because of the holidays, but not as many. So much so that in the last few days, we had almost nothing left to sell apart from a few posters, albums, t-shirts, postcards…”, continues Louis-Bertrand Lozevis.
But by the way, why is it closing? “As Hergé says, the adventures of Tintin should be read from 7 to 77 years old. Reaching the age of 77 in 2023, I am going to retire”, explains the manager quite simply. Even if with his small red glasses, his permanent smile and his youthful silhouette, he hides his age well.
By lowering the curtain of the Espace Tintin, the latter closes an album whose history has spanned more than 20 years. “I moved to this square in 2000. Previously, I ran LB Boutique, rue Croix Baragnon, where I sold gifts for men. There was also a total space in Tintin, ”he slips.
While here, Louis-Bertrand Lozevis totaled his entire trade to the hero of Hergé. “At the time, I was contacted by the company Moulinsart”
Place des Puits Clos, in this shop full of charm, with its brick facades and its alcove windows, which stuck perfectly to the spirit of Tintin, Louis-Bertrand Lozevis therefore made a new start. “Immediately, I found an audience. First, former passionate customers of my previous shop. Then, a lot of tourists because of the location”, recognizes the manager.
“the rocket is symbolic”
Born in Saint-Gaudens on March 27, 1946, Louis-Bertrand Lozevis therefore became a tintinophile thanks to his activity. “Basically, I was not more than that unlike today,” he admits. His first Tintin album, he read it as a teenager. “It was in a market on the moon. The rocket was for me very symbolic”. Moreover, today, he has one at home, “as well as a carpet with all the heads of Tintin and a few figurines”.
For Louis-Bertrand Lozevis, the popularity of Tintin can be explained by “the nostalgia of adults who passed it on to their children, who in turn pass it on to their grandchildren”. Why ? “Because we are dealing with a clear design, a timeless story. Tintin never goes out of style, that’s why it will be eternal”, assures this enthusiast.
In a few dates
March 27, 1946: Birth of Louis-Bertrand Lozevis in Saint-Gaudens.
1987: Opening of LB Bourique, rue Croix Baragnon in Toulouse.
September 2000: Opening of the Espace Tintin.
December 31, 2022: Permanent closure of the Espace Tintin.
He himself confesses a very special tenderness “for the main character of Tintin of course and Snowy, whom I find very amusing. He is also the one who finds the solutions. The two work in symbiosis”.
And if there were to be a common point between him and the hero of Hergé, “it would perhaps be the adventure, the traveling spirit”. For several years, Louis-Bertrand Lozevis has been able to escape “thanks to the presence of two very capable people – Adeline and Philippe – who replaced me in the store. »
Now retired, he intends to “enjoy life” and visit his granddaughter who is growing up in Singapore more often, “while keeping Tintin in his heart. Forever “.