Romanic church of Saint-Front, Haute Loire

Burle is the name given to the wind blowing from the north in winter in central France, on the eastern side of the Massif Central and on the Velay highlands.

The Burle creates a frosty atmosphere, raising snow storms, causing snow piles sometimes several meters thick.

During the long winter months, men and animals live in low houses, designed to protect them from the rigorous climate : thick walls, steep roofs covered with stubble or lauzes (slates) of phonolite (which is a volcanic rock).

The wind is used to run many wind turbines, which do not always fit harmoniously into the landscape.