The transhumance is a highlight of the year in the mountains. This rhythmic procession of animals migrating to the summer pastures is attracting growing interest from curious and/or nostalgic visitors.

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For the 2026 season

Transhumance in the Bellongue Valley : May 30 2026

Transhumance in the Biert Massat valley : 6th June 2026

Transhumance in the Biros Valley : 6th June 2026

Transhumance in the Bethmale Valley : June 13 and 14, 2026

Transhumance in the valleys of Upper Salat : 13th June 2026

For nearly a thousand years, transhumance has been practiced in the Pyrenees from North to South and from East to West. Today, the rhythmic oscillation of the herds continues with a relative density but is still very present in our mountains. The sheep move, mowing the grass close to the ground, trampling and compacting the earth. No need for maintenance where the animals pass!  

This authentic practice of transhumance on foot, far from being reduced to a folkloric event, is completely in line with the sustainable development, and respect for the animal wellbeing.

Our pastoral areas belong to latitudes where the climate allows animals to stay at altitude from mid-June. But there is no rest for the breeders who take advantage of the good weather for the haymaking and fodder harvesting, useful for feeding in winter, stored dry in stables and sheepfolds.  

Our mountainous slope backing onto Spain is cool and damp in spring with occasional showers that make wild lavender and thyme grow abundantly. high-altitude meadows are covered with heather and thistles. Among the rocks grow cistus, edelweiss, houseleek, then asphodels, anemones and cerastaceae, orchids grow in turn higher on the plateaus. 

The evaporation that pumps the soils in summer is not significant enough to dry out our landscapes, our pastures are green and fragrant and constitute a famous food reservoir for livestock which is sure to find the vegetation it likes. The meat is tasty and the milk is still used in some cases to make Pyrenean cheese smells good like a little mountain flower... 

Transhumance in Couserans: a journey to the heart of the mountains.
At the end of May and beginning of June, there will be 5 transhumance events over 3 or 4 weekends. Embark on this tradition that brings the Couserans to life!

How to choose your transhumance?

In Couserans, the tradition of transhumance comes to life through five unique experiences!

  • For celebrations and conviviality, The Transhumance in Haut Salat in Seix is ​​an essential choice.
  • For those in search of authenticity and intimacy, The Transhumance of the Massat Valley, which follows the cows' ascent to the summer pastures, offers an immersive experience.
  • Want to live the best of both worlds ? Then turn to the Biros Transhumance or bethmale, where folklore and pastoralism meet harmoniously.
  • If your passion beats to the rhythm of hooves, the Bethmale Transhumance, renowned for its horses, will seduce you.
  • Finally, the little one, the Transhumance in Bellongue dedicated to bsheep, made a triumphant entry into 2023 with a resounding success !

The Pastorals of Guzet

After accompanying the herds during the transhumance in June, come and meet the herds and breeders on their summer pastures.
In July, the Transhumances en Couserans association organizes a large festive event on the theme of pastoralism in the summer pastures of Guzet.
Activities for all ages are offered (games for children, demonstrations, conferences, music, exhibitions, etc.). A mountain market is also held there with authentic products directly from the producers.

Go Further

Rencontre avec Abdesselam, éleveur dans la vallée « bio » d’Esbintz. 

Meeting with Abdesselam, a breeder in the “organic” valley of Esbintz.