EXPOSITION LAVOGNES ET CAZELLES

Discover two mini-exhibitions of photographs of Lavognes and Cazelles

The cazelle, a heritage feature that is central to the identity of the Causses, takes its name from the Occitan word ‘casèla’, meaning ‘hut’. Depending on the region, the cazelle is also known as a chazelle or capitelle, or even a borie in Provence.
These small structures were built by shepherds on the pastures where their sheep grazed, to shelter from the sun, wind and rain whilst tending their flocks. They used stones found on site, cleared from the fields.

Often circular in shape, its size is tailored to the shepherd, and it is not uncommon to see small cazelles, as these were intended for children who often looked after the flocks.

The ‘lavogne’, also known locally as ‘lavagne’, is a symbol of life and human ingenuity on the high plateaus. In his Occitan–French dictionary, Louis Alibert states that the word ‘lavagne’ derives from ‘lavar’, no doubt because it was originally used for washing wool, a practice that was subsequently banned. Thus, the literal meaning would be ‘washing pool’.
Far more than mere puddles, over the centuries lavognes have become increasingly sophisticated structures, evolving from maintained natural pools into carefully paved features to which improvements have been added: drainage systems, settling basins, drinking troughs and even wells.

ENTENTE INTERDÉPARTEMENTALE CAUSSES ET CEVENNES