Transhumance in Provence
Thousands of sheep cram into the SW Provence town of Riez for a spectacular, seasonal movement between lowland pastures and sweet grasses high in the Alps foothills. Harking back to more traditional shepherding days, transhumance (roughly translated as ‘changing pasture’) is a yearly necessity for both sheep and grass. Lucky visitors enjoy an absolutely unique spectacle !
Shepherds and trusty sheepdogs drive the flocks through the centre of town to a holding area for later travel to the hills. A lively all-day festival follows featuring knots of locals in colorful costumes, sheepdog demonstrations, sheep shearing, trading of wares (tools, cheese, clothes) - and of course, much eating, drinking, smoking and arm waving.
The ancient, active town of Riez is in a rich valley near the Verdon and Durance rivers, and surrounded by countryside dominated by huge lavender fields. The Roman town of Riez dates back to 1st century. On each side of the village, ancient Roman portals give access into the medieval interior.
And while the lower Riez village only dates back 2,000 years, the ancient hillfort town was capital of the Reii, a Celto-Ligurian tribe, and origin of the town's name. Clearly, they’ve been herding livestock here for a looooong time !
Transhumance in Provence
Thousands of sheep cram into the SW Provence town of Riez for a spectacular, seasonal movement between lowland pastures and sweet grasses high in the Alps foothills. Harking back to more traditional shepherding days, transhumance (roughly translated as ‘changing pasture’) is a yearly necessity for both sheep and grass. Lucky visitors enjoy an absolutely unique spectacle !
Shepherds and trusty sheepdogs drive the flocks through the centre of town to a holding area for later travel to the hills. A lively all-day festival follows featuring knots of locals in colorful costumes, sheepdog demonstrations, sheep shearing, trading of wares (tools, cheese, clothes) - and of course, much eating, drinking, smoking and arm waving.
The ancient, active town of Riez is in a rich valley near the Verdon and Durance rivers, and surrounded by countryside dominated by huge lavender fields. The Roman town of Riez dates back to 1st century. On each side of the village, ancient Roman portals give access into the medieval interior.
And while the lower Riez village only dates back 2,000 years, the ancient hillfort town was capital of the Reii, a Celto-Ligurian tribe, and origin of the town's name. Clearly, they’ve been herding livestock here for a looooong time !