Meet Cédric from Soula Mules, the summer delivery man!

For over 5 years, Cédric has been roaming the Couserans mountain and its summer pastures with his mules. These animals have always been part of the history of the Pyrenees and the link between the valleys and the remote villages. Perfectly adapted to the trails and able to carry heavy loads, the mules are returning to their original vocation by being one of the links in the smooth running of human activities in the summer pastures: delivering equipment to shepherds, to high-altitude refuges, etc. And beyond the more traditional activities, it is with Aurélien that they offer you stays to discover the Couserans mountain with the pleasure of letting your four-legged companions carry your belongings and all those little details that promise you a quality bivouac in the magnificent setting of the mountain.  

What is your field of work?  

The mountains, and all areas where motor vehicles cannot go: the summer pastures of Biros, the Col de la Core and Salau.  

What do you bring to the shepherds?  

I ensure the supplies of the shepherds in the summer pastures: personal belongings (of the shepherd), food, firewood, kibble for the working dogs, gas bottles and materials for maintaining the fences in the spring.  

And what about shelters?  

Not all refuges can be supplied, depending on the difficulty of the access route. So I work in conjunction with the helicopter. For example, I bring fresh produce to the refuge at the Araing pond.   

I also sometimes assist mountaineers who request deliveries of specific equipment.  

For additional work, the renovation of a pastoral hut and the collection of spring water?  

I install rafters and all the necessary materials to renovate all types of barns and pastoral huts. I am also called upon for specific projects such as water catchment.  

Your best memory in the summer pastures?  

The first outing with the mules and friends, we left for three days to tour the cabins.  

What is your favorite place in the mountains?  

No place, I like all the varieties of valleys and going through them one after the other.  

Any advice on how to best explore the Couserans summer pastures?  

Don't improvise, prepare your mountain excursion well: maps, basic equipment, check the weather, etc.