AN INHABITED MOUNTAIN
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The
history, the langue d'oc (language spoken in
the south of France) and the origins of the
population are evidence of a strong Cantalien
identity. The Cantal department was formed in
1790 and its name comes from the highest peak:
Plomb du Cantal. |
SMPM |
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Once the glaciers had disappeared man re-conquered
the Cantalien massif during the prehistoric
age (population of hunters and gatherers). Throughout
the Neolithic and Protohistory eras, clearing work was
carried out to cultivate forests on the plateaux and
interfluves of the Cantal massif. And these new highlands
were primarily put to pastoral use.
The settling process was
on the increase by the start of
our era with the highlands becoming more densely
populated. Cereal crops were developed on former grazing
land. The Cantalien mountain revolved around political
and religious hubs: construction of churches and access
roads, creation of trade shows which continued to the
end of the XIXth century.
As it was off the main
route, the Cantal massif was not affected by the various
invasions in the early Middle
Ages. The “upper valleys” of the Cantal massif
saw the creation of strongholds and the construction
of castles.
Making the most of a warmer
climate during the Middle Ages,
a new period of forest cultivation began in the highlands.. |
At the same time villages, churches and castles built
of stone were established (Château de Laqueuille
in Dienne, etc.).
Political instability in the late
Middle Ages and various epidemics (black plague)
caused a major economic recession, forcing the more
remote villages and lands to be abandoned (altitude,
slope, aspect, etc.). The more sizeable villages became
fortified or used the church for defence.
From the end of the
Middle Ages until the beginning of the XIXth century,
the massif experienced relative socio-economic stability.
Cereal crops gradually gave way to pastures and grazing,
due to a colder climate. The mountain fortresses were
abandoned or destroyed by royal decree, or during the
religious wars, while others were transformed into homes.
In
the XIXth century, the new transport infrastructures
(roads, railways) made trading easier (sale of cattle
and cheese) and brought an excess of wealth to rural
areas, while “draining” the Cantal mountain of its workforce.
The majority of farm buildings, homes and mountain “burons”
date to this period. |
Plafond
Eglise de Cheylade SMPM |
