It is 1829. The population of Ariege continues to increase and the peasants sink deeper into poverty. Ignorant of these realities and anxious to restore the forest that has been devastated by centuries of exploitation, Charles X decides to take back from the communes control of the dominal lands by installing a new forestry administration. Since the middle ages the Couserans and the high valleys of Ariège have lived in quasi autonomy. The forest, and all it provides, assures the survival of the population and the people consider it their own. The peasants of the valleys of Belongue, Bethmale, Biros and Massat revolt and the "Demoiselles" make their appearance.

Disguised as women with long white shirts, head scarves and wigs, their faces blackened or hidden, the men attack, often at night, large land owners, forestry wardens, gendarmes and forge masters. Unorganised and lacking political consciousness, the peasants conduct this "war" with few weapons. However, in spite of this carnavalesque aspect, the "demoiselles" succeed in instilling fear. The king must eventually impose amnesty measures and relax the forestry laws.

This conflict, intense between 1829 and 1832, will endure until 1872.