The “Plateau des Mille Etangs”

Quatenary glaciers erosion shaped today’s gentle contours. Still, the glaciers left assorted traces in their wake: grooved rocks, moraines, boulders (including of peatlands)… as well as manifold small water basins that men created as early as the Middle Ages. The piscicultural use of these basins accounts for the Scandinavian-like landscape.

Deforestation favoured pastoral-exploited meadows. Because they used a lot of water and wood, metalworking, glass-making, as well as wood or stone artisans settled in the valleys. Each nook in the ground is occupied by a water body concealed by forest or surrounded by pasture lands. The small ponds (less than 50 ares) are most present. If their cold and acidic waters do not allow for much productivity, they are nonetheless good for traditional carp breeding. Leisure and relaxing activities by the watershore progressively replaced traditional fish farming. Abandoned ponds naturally fill with mud, or even turn into peatlands with great biodiversity. They also shelter carnivorous plants: the drosera. On the plateau, crosses and sandstone quarries testify to Man’s stoneworking craft in ancient times.

 

Author