The “transhumant” of Aulon | Saint-Lary Tourisme

An ancestral tradition

And a know-how to perpetuate

On this Saturday, June 7, in addition to the celebration of the ascent to summer pasture for many flocks, the village of Aulon wishes to share the ancestral tradition of transhumance, it is a whole know-how that must be perpetuated.

The flock could have been mounted by truck…but out of the question, it is to the rhythm of the bells (bells) that 1500 ewes will join the pastures. The opportunity for hundreds of walkers to follow this animal procession, and to admire the extraordinary work of the shepherds and their dogs to guide the flock to good pasture.

On the strokes of noon, it is time to take a break and refuel…and in this area, the village of Aulon knows how to do. This is the 12th time that Aulon organizes “La Transhumante”. Hundreds of people welcome the herds, breeders, shepherds and others…in short, there are many people in Aulon. All this little world meets to sing, dance and especially to taste the lamb a la plancha (more than 500 meals will be served)…One does not forget to hydrate (not only with water for some) and once the flock blessed it is time to leave towards the summer residence of the ewes.

1h30

Accessible to children

Discover the flora and fauna

How to talk about La Transhumante

Not to mention Aulon

Aulon is a village at 1230m that finds its origins in the pastoral activity that has shaped the landscapes, integrated the architecture with the environment and created a specific culture. The village of Aulon, by its location and its traditions has always been a village that retains a spirit closely linked to the breeding in the mountain environment. Still today many animations around pastoralism are proposed and are very successful (see animation program).

The village of Aulon represents a commune and a territory with a diversified history, culture, traditions and cultural heritage (religious heritage: church, cross…, heritage related to water: washhouse, watering place, fountain…, built heritage: dry stone walls, Lurgues barns…).

The House of Nature

The House of Nature is a structure to discover the biodiversity of the mountain environment (photo exhibition, educational garden) and to observe the fauna in its environment, you may see some birds of prey flying over the village.
The House of Nature aims to develop an educational policy respectful of the Pyrenean biodiversity and offers many animations, mainly in spring and summer: slideshows, guided tours, conferences…

Go on a discovery tour

From the Regional Nature Reserve

So I can’t advise you to go to Aulon (only 15-20 minutes from Saint Lary). the entrance to the Lavedan valley is at the level of the Village of Guchen. For the most courageous, you can go to discover the very recent Regional Natural Reserve of Aulon. The small hamlet of the barns of Lurgues (1400m) is also worth a look: at the foot of the Arbizon are a dozen restored barns…a real Pyrenean postcard.

For more information do not hesitate to drop by the nature house, Rémi, the animator and guard of the reserve will be happy to advise you a walk or show you around the premises.