The Plan Fournier

Each family climbed to settle on its montagnette towards the end of May. This hamlet was an intermediate step, both on the ascent and the descent, for the herds en route to the alpine pastures of Gallinettes, Fontaine Froide and Vuzelle. The meadows were grazed on by the animals as they ascended, then as they descended they grazed on the second growth called the regrowth. Plots were also mowed on the montagnettes. This intermediate pasture was often gained by deforestation and clearing. It remained there until 22nd June, the date of departure for the upper pasture where the cows remained all summer.