Transhumance in the Couserans in Ariège Pyrenees

Transhumance, from the Latin "trans" (beyond) and "humus" (the land, the country), is the summer migration of herds (sheep, cattle or horses), towards other richer lands, such as summer pastures. Pyrenean.
The Transhumance festivals are the accompaniment of herds in the mountains (sheep, cattle, horses, Mérens) with entertainment, friendly meals, folkloric shows, in the heart of the Pyrenees, in Couserans which is a border region with West of Ariège.
Every year, in June, more than 10,000 sheep, 1000 cattle and hundreds of horses return to around ten summer pastures in Couserans.

It also participates in the promotion of local products and strives to promote the identity of the valley and the villages it passes through.

In the Bethmale valley, the Transhumance festivals are the two-day accompaniment of the herds (sheep, cows, horses) with entertainment, friendly meals and folkloric shows all along the route. La Bethmalaise, a local group, has hosted the festivities for many years.

The different transhumances in Couserans in Ariège Pyrenees:
Transhumances in Couserans 2022
The dates are visible on the website of the Couserans Tourist Office in Ariège, see link below.