Understand and discover pastoralism

The age-old practice of pastoralism is an integral part of the Provencal heritage. Today, some breeders continue this lifestyle and livestock farming across the pastures of the Sud region. Learn all about the history of pastoralism in the South of France meet those who embody the Sud region, and walk in the footsteps of the shepherds and their flocks!

So what is pastoralism?

Pastoralism covers all the livestock farming activities which use the natural areas for what is known as the “extensive grazing” of its herds. The shepherds and their animals move around according to the seasons and the availability of natural resources such as water and vegetation. This is known as transhumance, a practice which has been officially recognized in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In the south of France, pastoralism is an old tradition. For centuries, shepherds have been leading their herds, made up mainly of ewes, but also with cows and goats, along the Mediterranean coast or in the Alpine pastures of the high mountains in the French southern Alps, through garrigue, scrub, moorland, forests and the great plateaus. Today, pastoralism is still practised by many livestock farmers, who are both the guardians of its authenticity and the actors of its modernisation. The equipment and development of the pastures, and also the shepherds’ lodgings, are the subject of many improvements which are essential for the continuation of this tradition.

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A mode of livestock farming which takes care of the environment

In addition to being respectful of animal well-being, pastoralism plays a pivotal role in preserving biodiversity. By limiting the development of invasive plant species, it helps to maintain an open landscape, which is indispensable for wildlife. It also helps to reduce shrub encroachment and lessen the risk and spread of wildfire. Through transhumance, the herds help to disseminate seeds and participate in the diversification of the landscapes and biodiversity. This mobility also makes it possible to avoid the over-use and depletion of pastures, encouraging in this way their natural regeneration. Moreover, even animal droppings play a part in protecting these areas as they contribute to the fertilisation of the soils and favour the growth of new shoots. By definition, pastoralism adapts to nature and its environment. It therefore participates in setting up a virtuous circle between animals and pastures!

The animals of pastoralism, upholders of the good products of the South

Most of the herds which roam the natural areas of the South of France during transhumance are made up of ewes. If you come across one during your walks and hikes, they are either Mérinos d’Arles, or Mourerous, or Préalpes. These three local races are the only ones who can give birth to IGP and Label Rouge lambs. Even though there are fewer of them, goats are also a part of pastoralism. The production of good, typically Provencal cheeses, such as Banon AOP, recognisable by the leaves which wrap it is due to two local races, la Rove and la Commune provençale. And as for cattle, the Camargue bull is also a rustic traditionally and extensively bred local race. It is semi-wild and it produces a unique meat which obtained the AOP in 2001.

See today’s pastoralism

Even though the job of shepherd-livestock farmer is an activity which is mainly solitary, there are different ways you can meet them and share a moment with them. From April to October, transhumance celebrations are held in several towns and villages of the Sud region. They are a real opportunity to reconnect with this tradition, to see the herds going through the villagesand meet local shepherds. If you’re passing through Salon-de-Provence, you can go to the Maison de la Transhumance, which offers educational exhibitions on pastoralism. Every summer, days in the Alpine pastures are also organized in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence to help you understand the reality of pastoralism, how it works and also the shepherd work. Fascinating! Besides these events, you can also go directly to the livestock farmers to discover their farms and share a privileged moment with them. For example, La Maison des Bêtes à Laine, La Chèvrerie de Fontaines and La Pastorale du Regagnas will be delighted to welcome you for a visit of their farm, talk to you about their savoir-faire and tell you a bit more about pastoralism. Contact them before you come!

Following in the footsteps of pastoralism

If you like hiking, there are several itineraries where you can follow this age-old tradition of pastoralism. The easiest one is the Sentier de la Pastorale, just next to Salon-de-Provence, in the Tallagard area. This hike will take you on a discovery of the remains of pastoral and farming life of yesteryear. On the way, you will come to the Ferme de la Pastorale and several bories, ancient little stone huts which were used as shelters by the shepherds. A longer, but really interesting one is L’Amountagna, a pastoral hike in the Haut Verdon. It follows a former transhumance trail dotted with educational boards, goes through the forest and leads to rehabilitated shepherds’ huts. And, last of all, the GR 69– La Routo, is a cross-border itinerary which goes across the plain of La Crau, from Arles, to Valle Stura, in Italy, and whose aim is to valorise the practices linked to transhumance and pastoral livestock farming. Divided up into 33 stages, the 560 km are a real trip back through time and the tradition of pastoralism, in the middle of breathtaking natural landscapes. Let’s go !