The Cévenol chestnut grove

The vast expanses of sweet chestnut groves that still occupy a part of the Cévennes are all man-made. From the Middle Ages onwards, and especially in the 16th century, locals replaced oak and beech with chestnut, essentially for its nuts. In the mid-19th century, a new population boom pushed the Cévenol chestnut grove to its maximum extent.
The tree supplies regular, balanced and abundant food, with chestnuts largely replacing grains. The locals' diet (about 2 kg per person per day) was complemented by some rye, pork products, vegetables and pulses. The Cévennes did not experience the great famines that struck other regions, and witness accounts describe the vigour and good health of the inhabitants of the Cévenol valleys.