Perhaps influenced by the novels of the Countess of Segur, Brigitte Pieau has always had a passion for the Cotentin donkeys (Equus asinus). Since 2008, she has been breeding these animals in the Manche, first in Beauchamps, then for the last three years in Carolles, near Mont-Saint-Michel. She has been working to promote the breed, with the greatest of respect for the animal's welfare. Her 19 donkeys dispose of 11 hectares of pasture, and the females are only bred every two years, in order to give them time to rest between pregnancies (which last from 12 to 14 months).