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Nature Moutons Transhumance Oti Aubagne

Transhumance

Discover the history of transhumance in the Aubagne region and Provence

Transhumance in the Pays d'Aubagne

Every year, flocks of ewes take up residence in the Sainte-Baume, Regagnas and Garlabanmassifs. Their aim: to graze and clear the undergrowth in our natural areas, thereby helping to combat the risk of wildfire. Transhumance in the Pays d’Aubagne is more than just a pastoral tradition; it represents a real ecological challenge for the Provence region. By enabling the regeneration of flora, the movement of herds promotes biodiversity and preserves local ecosystems.

The communes ofAuriol, Saint-Zacharie and Belcodène invite you and your family to come and meet these herds during an unforgettable morning of workshops, activities, photo booths and hot drinks to chat with the shepherds. It’s a fun way for your children to learn about the importance of transhumance in preserving our environment.

A cultural and educational experience not to be missed!

3 good reasons

to watch the transhumance with your family!

Watching the herd come into town is a magical moment!

The flock enters the town in close ranks. The “working” dogs gather up the sheep that are scattered along the path and encourage them to move forward to join the flock. For young and old alike, it’s a “ballet” that’s both astonishing and captivating!

Discover the animals

The herd stops for 2 hours in the village. This is an opportunity to get up close and personal with the sheep and working dogs.

Join in the fun

There will be free activities for children between 10am and 12pm, including pony rides, a photo stand and a “Make me a sheep” activity. As an added bonus, the Pays d’Aubagne Tourist Office is offering hot drinks and snacks for everyone!

Did you know?

An ecological approach!

At the beginning of each year, several hundred sheep and ewes graze in the Garlaban, Régagnas and Sainte Baume massifs on the initiative of the Aix Marseille Provence Metropolitan Council‘s forestry department. The grazing area this year is around 900 ha.

In the Pays d’Aubagne et de l’Etoile, 70% of the territory is made up of natural areas. The uncontrolled growth of vegetation in undergrowth at the foot of trees is one of the factors that encourages the spread of fires.

The grazing of several hundred sheep makes it possible to:

  • Maintain flowerbeds (remove grass and slow the growth of undergrowth)
  • Preserve biodiversity
  • Combat the risk of fire.

The presence of flocks in our hills provides them with a sufficient quantity and quality of food.

Information

Watch out for the Patou!

“Keep your distance, I’m protecting the herd while grazing”.

The Patou is a sheepdog that protects the herd. Its instinct is not to attack but to dissuade anyone from approaching.

Be careful when walking in the hills:

  • Avoid crossing the herd
  • Keep your dogs on a lead
  • Don’t make any sudden movements

Discover also

traditions in aubagne