Walk with sheep, cows and horses as France’s summer transhumance season begins
Festivals and treks are being hosted across rural and mountain regions in the coming weeks
Some farmers allow the public to join their livestock in trekking between pastures
Cathala Jonathan/Shutterstock
Farmers in rural France are offering the public the chance to accompany livestock during their summer transhumance treks, with events beginning this weekend (May 24-25).
Transhumance is often practised in agricultural mountain regions, particularly for herds of sheep used in the production of local milk, butter, yoghurt and cheese.
It usually happens twice a year with the seasonal movement of livestock from winter to summer pastures and vice versa.
The practice was inscribed on the Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List in 2023, after years of campaigning.
“Families have been enacting and transmitting transhumance through observation and practice for many generations. Communities living along transhumance routes also play an important role in its transmission, such as by celebrating herd crossings and organising festivals.”
“Transhumance thus contributes to social inclusion, strengthening cultural identity and ties between families, communities and territories while counteracting the effects of rural depopulation,” reads a Unesco statement.
Read also: French mountain farmers keep herding and hospitality traditions alive
Transhumance treks, summer 2025
Festivities are usually organised each year in different transhumance villages around France, marking the beginning and end of a season.
Some farmers allow the public to join their livestock in trekking between pastures.
L’Aubrac en Transhumance (Aveyron)
7,000 visiteurs are expected to attend the annual transhumance festival in the village of Aubrac, taking place this weekend (May 24-25).
The event will feature a series of markets, music, film screenings, decorated cows, guided tours, walking routes, craft workshops, meals and more.
Find a full list of activities.
Les transhumances au cœur des Pyrénées
The Couserans Pyrénées tourism site lists five transhumance events in different valleys within the rural Occitanie region, starting on May 31 and scheduled each Saturday until June 14.
In Bethmale (Ariège), the local Transhumance Association is organising a two-day experience (June 7-8), allowing participants to accompany horses, sheep and cows to their summer pastures. Folk dancing, singing and a meal will be offered upon arrival, with prices ranging from €7 - €18. Reservation required.
Transhumances en Biros (Ariège)
Members of the public can participate in the transhumance of sheep, goats and horses on June 7.
The group will leave from the village of Sentein and walk along a road beside the River Lez for just over 5 km, then take a forest track (1.6 km) following a narrow gorge towards the final destination.
Animations and entertainment will take place throughout the day and walkers can choose to sign up for a meal after their trek.
Read also: Which French departments have more cows, pigs and sheep than people?
La Transhumance Berthenoise (Nord)
Take part in a day of transhumance ‘with sheep and giants’ on le lundi de Pentecôte (Pentecost Monday, June 9).
The day will begin on the plane of Mont des Cats, with a series of treks, concerts, and animations leading to the village of Berthen. At this point, participants will be joined by a herd of sheep and giant walking sculptures in traditional costume, before heading back to Mont des Cats for an evening of entertainment.
Signing-up for the trek costs €6 and includes a sandwich and drink. For €9 you can get a hot sandwich and a dessert.
Vercors Escapade - from Die to Vercors (Drôme)
Participants can book a spot on a three or five-day donkey transhumance experience, from June 13.
After celebrating at the Fête de la Transhumance in Châtillon-en-Diois, the group will set off from this medieval village and start the trek towards the mountain pastures of the Vercors, accompanying a small pack of donkeys. The site claims the route is “slow and steady, walking at the pace of the donkeys.”
The experience costs €330 for three days and €550 for five days. This includes full-board accommodation throughout the tour, donkey hire, tents and shared camping equipment, supervision by a mountain leader throughout and any transfers on the first and last day.
Read also: Hiking trail follows historic transhumance routes of Provence
