Transhumance Pyrénées
Transhumance in the Pyrenees represents an ancient tradition, essential to agricultural life and the maintenance of the landscapes of this region.
What is "transhumance" in the Pyrenees?
Transhumance is a traditional agricultural practice that involves moving herds of animals, mainly sheep, cows, and sometimes horses, from one region to another to benefit from seasonal pastures. In the Pyrenees, this migration generally occurs twice a year: in spring, the herds ascend to the high mountains to enjoy the fresh grass, then, as autumn approaches, they descend to the valleys to protect themselves from winter and the arrival of snow.
What is the purpose of transhumance in the Pyrenees?
Transhumance, beyond its traditional and cultural aspect, fulfills several essential functions both ecologically and economically.
Ecologically, transhumance plays a role in landscape management and the preservation of biodiversity. By moving herds to new pastures in different seasons, this practice helps prevent overgrazing, which helps maintain soil health and ecosystem diversity.
Economically, transhumance is beneficial for farmers and herders because it allows them to optimize the use of available natural resources. In summer, access to high-altitude pastures reduces the need to provide supplemental feed to herds, which lowers feed costs and improves the quality of the meat or milk produced.
Where to go to see a transhumance in the Pyrenees?
In the Béarn valleys (Barétous, Aspe, Ossau), transhumance is, above all, a highlight of farm life. It is also an opportunity for festivities that often include local produce markets, demonstrations of artisanal know-how, community meals, and sometimes concerts or traditional dances.
To experience Transhumance in the Pyrenees, the ideal is to live with a farming family.
Otherwise, the Maria Blanca Farm on the Bénou plateau offers Transhumance stays.
Other events such as the Transhumance Festival in Lourdios-Ichère in June or the Open Cabin days in July and August will offer you a superb opportunity to discover the life of a shepherd!
Don't hesitate to book your stay at our Inn to meet the herds in the summer pastures!