On the way to summer (la Transhumance)

At the end of each autumn when water and plant life begin to wane in the garrigues and southern Cevennes, the roads and paths are full of sheep moving to their summer pastures in the mountains.
Like a woollen river, the herd move in the fluff of their summer pasture trail amid the buzzing of their bells.

From the smallest – sometimes a dozen or so animals – to the oldest – several thousand flocks – they are all dressed up in distinct shades of wool. They climb the slopes of Mont Aigoual, of Lingas, Causses and Mont Lozère.

The climb to summer pastures is party time for shepherds as well as for locals in villages travelled through by the flock. It’s the time to celebrate the arrival of autumn, to feel the rhythm of folk dancing and taste locally made products.

Valleraugue Tourist Office