Bancels and springs

Marker 5The terraces (bancels) on this steep slope are narrow and supported by tall schist walls, which make them look like a staircase. The surfaces that they border have a slight incline across the slope, enabling rainwater to drain away towards the gully, which then carries them to the stream. This is a good example of the dual purpose of bancels: they are also effective at retaining soil, thus creating cultivatable areas. The seepage creates a spring above the steps into the garden. This is Mas Chaptal’s only year-round water supply. A vegetable garden has been laid out below it to take advantage of the irrigation.