Transhumance Auriol Moutons Patou Nature Oti Aubagne

LA TRANSHUMANCE

THE CATTLE DRIVE

Every beginning of year sheep and ewes graze in the hills of the Pays d’Aubagne et de l’Étoile.
Matinées are organized to soak in this tradition.

3 GOOD REASONS TO ATTEND
THE TRANSHUMANCE WITH YOUR FAMILY!

Reason n°1 :

Watch the herd arrive intown,
A Magical Moment !

The herd gets in tight into town. The sheepdogs would gather the sheep scattered along the way and lead them forward to join the herd. For both children and adults, it is an amazing and captivating “ballet”!

Reason n°2 :

Get to know the livestock

The herd will stop for 2 hours in the village.
This is an opportunity to get up close and personal with sheep and sheepdogs.

Reason n°3 :

Take part in a social moment

Free entertainments are available for children between 10am and 12pm.
In 2020: pony rides and “Make me a sheep” entertainment.
To enhance this morning, hot drinks and snacks are available for everyone!

Did you know ?

Every year, several hundred sheep graze in the Garlaban, Régagnas and Sainte Baume mountains. The grazing area is about 900 ha this year.

70% of the region of Aubagne and Etoile is covered by natural areas. The anarchic growth of wild flora in the undergrowth, at the bottom of the trees, is one of the elements that facilitate the spread of fire.

The grazing of several hundred sheep maintains the mountains (removing grass and slowing down the bushes growth), preserves biodiversity and fights against fire hazards. Grazing herds find a sufficient quantity and quality of food in our hills.