Transhumance

ahead of the Provence herd

Listed as an intangible cultural heritage site by UNESCO in 2020, the tradition of transhumance on foot still endures between Provence, the Gorges du Verdon and the Mercantour mountains, even if trucks have overtaken these joyful processions that pass through the villages “like a tide” wrote Jean Giono.

Sheep, rams, ewes, goats and grey donkeys move at 3km/h from June onwards towards the slopes rich in soft grass, which they love. Revendran* in October (they’ll be back)

You’ll have the chance to meet some beautiful Brunes des Alpes, cows of Swiss origin that owe their worldwide success to the quality of their milk. Don’t be mean, take the time to say hello!

Of the 550,000 sheep that summer in the PACA region, only 20,000 to 25,000 still do so “on their feet”.

Wool has been processed in the Verdon region since the Middle Ages. Industrialized in the 19th century, this activity left its mark on the region until the middle of the 20th century. Today, it remains the passion of certain producers, but above all it has bequeathed a priceless and little-known heritage. Discover it by following the woolen cloth factory trail at Saint-André-les-Alpes or the Verdon drapery trail.

In 1819, André Honnorat opened his factory in Saint-André-les-Alpes. It was the first of the 30 draperies to develop in the valley..