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The
traditional Cantalien dwelling,
a reminder of former farmer activity,
is a modest abode, with nevertheless remarkable
architectural qualities (walls of black
basalt,
lauze roof, etc.). It generally has a
single room with a large chimney called
“cantou”.
The block
house is another rural construction
typical of the Cantalien massif. The farmstead
brings the farmer’s living quarters and
barns (for the animals and the feed supply)
together under the one roof. It is characterised
by thick walls and steep roof well adapted
to the rigorous climate.
Then,
along with the improvement in living standards,
came a demand for greater comfort and
the construction of farmsteads
with outhouses. Barns and stables
became detached from the homestead. The
number of rooms in the house then began
to grow: hall, bedrooms upstairs, lounge,
etc.
The
“burons”
(alpine herdsman’s cottages), also called
"tras” or “mazuc”, are an integral part
of the present day mountain landscape.
The name “buron” appeared in the XVIIth
century.
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Initially,
it was intended for cheese making and
to shelter the cowman and his team, who
looked after the herds grazing in the
high country pastures from mid-May to
mid-October.
They are
small, squat buildings made of stone,
partly buried and generally located near
a freshwater spring. Due to their thick
walls and solid lauze roof they were protected
from the violent winds, storms and blizzards.
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Normally,
“burons” include a hayloft, a shelter
for calves (called "vedelat") and accommodation
for the cowman. The “buron” has two rooms:
the first is a bedroom for the cowman
and his assistant (called "boutillier");
the second for making the cheese. The
cheese making room, arched and dim, possesses
a chimney and a small opening or window
called “fenestrou”.
The
number of “burons” grew markedly during
the second half of the 18th and then 19th
century. In 1950, a thousand “burons”
were in use in the Cantalien territory.
However, in the 20th century, from the
Second World War, the least accessible
“burons” were progressively abandoned
due to advances in farming techniques.
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