Anciens Etangs-bike ride-52

When the inhabitants of Pujaut and Rochefort decided to drain the ponds to contain malaria and increase their arable land surface, they called in a number of engineers, who were faced with the difficult task of draining the water from these spreading areas, as well as the fishermen who lost their source of income. The work was completed in the early 17th century. Water was evacuated through two tunnels. The first was built by Claude de Montcois. He borrowed the money needed for the work from the Carthusian monks of Villeneuve, against heavy interest charges that proved fatal. The second was built by the various owners, including the Carthusian monks, who built three new farms: Saint Anthelme, Saint Hugues and Saint Bruno.

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