On the road with the Blondes of Aquitaine – the transhumance 2024

In our previous news, we told you about the summer transhumance of Blonde d’Aquitaine cattle to the French Pyrenees, a fascinating pastoral practice that follows the rhythms of the seasons and that involves the “migration” of herds and shepherds from pastures located in hilly or flat areas to mountain ones, where the animals can find fresh grass and air.

This year we followed the transhumance of the Carrères, a family of breeders that have been associated to France Blonde d’Aquitaine Sélection for a very long time. Our video reportages well tell the effort and dedication that Blonde d’Aquitaine breeders put in for an optimal development of the animals of this precious cattle breed in an unspoiled nature.

The epic journey of Laure Carrère, head of the farm, and her father Jean-Bernard began in May in Buzy (300 m above sea level), and involved their 65 Blonde d’Aquitaine cows, which touched the 2.100 m altitude of Lac d’Ayous, located at the foot of an iconic Pyrenees Mountain, the Pic du Midi d’Ossau. In August, they then began their step-by-step descent to finally return in the stables in October, before the arrival of the cold season.

Transhumance is not just about moving animals though – it is about the culture of a valley, about the peasant tradition of a territory, and the conviviality between men and women who share a same passion.

Don’t waste any more time and dive yourself into this wonderful journey by watching our amazing video reportages in the midst of magnificent landscapes.