"Let's go to Larzac" The story of brave people who love their land

Larzac plateau

Tous au Larzac is a French documentary by Christian Rouaud. The story revolves around the none-violent conflict between the farmers of the Larzac and the French Army. Everything begins in 1971 when M Michel Debre minister for defence decided to expand the military camp of Larzac, an extension from 3000 to 17000 hectares. The farmers lived there. A hundred and seven farmers were threatened of eviction. 

Marizette Tarlier, one of the farmer living on the plateau Larzac

 These farmers learnt it while they were watching television. Their first reaction was : "We have guns, if they dare to come here we will defend ourselves but there will be victims." Then on second thought they realized they would be no match for the army. Consequently they decided to do a none-violent protest. Then they made a vow of resistance and promised they would always stand by each other against  the army and never let them take their lands whatever the tricks they were going to use. The protest would be none-violent up to the end of the conflict. They knew they would never be able to do it on their own. As a result they made an appeal. Eventually the 68s generation will answer the call and go to the Larzac (around 100000 people). Most people in France supported the cause despite the government's will to discredit the inhabitants of Larzac as well as it's supporters (hippies).

About 100000 people came to support the Larzac cause.

What is striking is that the farmers did not talk to each other at all before the beginning of the conflict. All these people were living on their own. Some were local farmers who had lived there for generations, others just settled and had taken heavy mortgage to buy their land. Then the hippies came to support the cause. One of the Larzac's farmer recalled : "They had long hair and were scantily dressed, they did not know nothing about how to work the land but they had the will and it was good enough!".

Beginning of the march

As the fight went on for 10 years, an invisible bond appeared between them. Some people even thought at the end of the conflict : "What are we going to do now? I mean I loved the moments when we were all together at the town center, sharing thoughts and having dinner alltogether. I will feel empty after this."

March on Paris

Several times they made a march on Paris. The conflict had lasted almost 10 years, they tried everything. For the march they decided to walk in silence as they thought it would be more efficient than shouting out slogans. People could only hear the sound of the farmers' stick on the pavement as they walk on the streets of Paris. Most people in Paris supported their cause and were impressed by the silent walk.

Green field, Larzac

The good news is that they finally won. In may 1981, the French presidential election was coming. François Miterrand (Left Wing) who was candidate knew that a huge amount of people were against the expansion of the military camp. He then promised to stop the project if he was elected. The farmers were nervous. Most of them could not vote as the government put pressure on them and removed most of their rights. Some of them heard the news by urban friends and workers who gave them a call! Not everybody had a television at the time. 

Sunset in Larzac

The story is amazing. Up to now the landscape has been protected thanks to hundred thousand people who rolled up their sleeves for a cause.

Apart from the story, the film is way too slow, you will probably be yawning many times if you decide to watch it. I still wanted to share it as I truly think it is a good reminder for the younger generations.  Marizette Tarlier was invited on a TV show to talk about the Larzac conflict. At the end the interviewer asked her if she had a message to pass on. Then she said : "One should not accept everything the government wants to impose to him. One should have the courage to stand up and say no. People have to stand by each other."

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