Transhumance

UNITED KINGDOM | Monday, 24 November 2014 | Views [248] | View Smaller Image

The shepherds and their flocks come from all different areas, so to begin with, there are groups of around 100-200 sheep trekking with their individual shepherds. There is a momentous time, where all these different flocks join together at the Pont Moutonnier. The Pont Moutonnier literally means 'sheep bridge'. This was built specifically for the flocks to cross from one side of the mountain to the other, and is still used today. At this point, the total number of sheep joining together can be up to 3000. Here we see the sheep rushing past after just crossing the bridge.

This is a glimpse into the 2000 year old tradition of the adventures that happen each summer during the migration of nearly 3000 bell-clad and decorated sheep. Every year, a group of local shepherds gather their flocks, to trek by foot from the low lands of Southern France, up through the Cévennes. This is no ordinary event, over the week or so they move up the mountains, the sheep are dressed in colourful paint and pom-poms. The community of shepherds have continued this tradition for generations, to give their flocks fresh grass to eat in the cool mountains to avoid the blistering hot summer months by the coast. This method of moving the sheep gradually rather than quickly and easily in a lorry, is unique, and with our culture wanting to do everything instantly, these people are fighting for this wonderful tradition to continue!

< previous

2 of 5

As the sheep join together, as do the different shepherds and their families. This is true family tradition. One shepherdess told me her father did 54 transhumance's in his lifetime. She also said, even though its hard work, its their way of life and it means to much to each one of them.

next >

Return to photo gallery >>

Transhumance

Share