First mention of the field XIIIe siècle (≈ 1350)
Field quoted from the end of the 13th century.
1679
Continuous family transmission
Continuous family transmission 1679 (≈ 1679)
Estate in the same family since then.
XVIIe siècle
Construction of existing buildings
Construction of existing buildings XVIIe siècle (≈ 1750)
Shale farms characteristic of the Cevennes.
8 janvier 2007
Registration for historical monuments
Registration for historical monuments 8 janvier 2007 (≈ 2007)
Protection of the mas in full.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The entire farmhouse, i.e. the buildings and terraces of cultivation, springs, brought water, mill and water reserve, cemetery, threshing areas and vegetable garden (cad. D 104 to 107, 112: buildings, cledes and areas; 108: vegetable garden; 82, 83: mill and water supply; 113: cemetery): registration by order of 8 January 2007
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
The source text does not mention any names.
Origin and history
The mas du Viala Ponsonnenc is an emblematic building located in Saint-Frézal-de-Ventalon, in the department of Lozère, in the Occitan region. This domain, whose origins date back to at least the thirteenth century, is mentioned in the archives from this period. However, today's buildings, characteristic of the schist-shaped cevenole farms, date mainly from the seventeenth century. The architectural complex, particularly complete, illustrates the traditional agricultural activities of the region, with elements such as habitats, a pigeon house, an oven, a mill, a sheepfold, and cultural terraces.
The mas has remained in the same family since 1679, which shows remarkable historical and family continuity. In 2007, the building was listed as historic monuments, recognizing its heritage value. The site includes not only residential and agricultural buildings, but also hydraulic elements such as springs, water supply, and a water supply, as well as a cemetery and threshing areas. These features are a representative example of the Cevenol rural heritage, reflecting the region's traditional way of life and agricultural techniques.
The area of Viala Ponsonnenc is a living testimony to the agricultural and social history of the Cevennes. The constructions, organised around essential activities such as breeding, cultivation, and product processing, show an ingenious adaptation to the relief and local climate. The registration of historical monuments in 2007 allowed to preserve this ensemble, thus providing an authentic overview of rural life in the past. Today, this farmhouse continues to fascinate with its authenticity and state of conservation, while remaining anchored in the Cevenol landscape.
