Mountain pasture of Ponchet

The mountain pasture of “Ponchet is a Prairie located at locates at 1870 m in the commune of Chandolin, exposed to south-west with a splendid sight on the plain of the the Rhone in direction of Martigny like on the Bernese Alps in direction of Notch-Montana.

Localization

Located at more than one hour of walk from the village of Chandolin, it is also accessible from the village from Soussillon (1. 45 for a unevenness of 480m), Pfyn-Finges space, Sierre (4:40, for a unevenness of 1500m) or the village of Niouc (2h40 for a unevenness of 960m).

The mountain pasture is protected by the Confédération as a dry meadow. This protection touches the microfaune and the flora.

History

Following the crumbling of the mountain of the Illgraben at the 14th century, the village of Chandolin is francized. The mayen of Ponchet located on the side external of the pit of Illgraben remains in possession of the Baron of Leuk (Loèche) then of its descendants, the family De Werra. Legends tell the punishments inflicted to the inhabitants of Chandolin for the abusive use of the pastures. In 1918, the situation is legalized, the place is bought by the middle-class of Chandolin. In 1955, for lack of bovine cattle, the mountain pasture is abandoned during 20 years. The construction of a Community cattle shed in 1975 gives again a function with the place a few days per year.

Nowadays, the two masonries of the mayen of Ponchet act as place of supply for the annual race on foot “Sierre-Zinal”. It is a place of grazing ground for the bovine cattle three weeks per year in in September and June sometimes.

The meadow is also a route of walk for the sight and the observation of game and the birds.

Bonds

Site dedicated to Ponchet

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