Every year there is a festival to celebrate the “transhumance” when farmers lead their cattle to the upland pastures in Spring for the Summer, before bringing them down again in the Autumn for winter shelter.
I
n Lozère (49 Languedoc-Rousillon) the upland pastures are the Plateau d’Aubrac, a granite and volcanic plateau part of the Massif Central. The local Aubrac cattle are bred for their meat – and for the cheese which is nowadays mainly made in Laguiole – also the home of the famous Laguiole knife.
“A number of events take place to accompany the movement of the decorated herds, with a meal on the grass which includes the compulsory aligot (mashed potato with cheese and garlic)”
The fête de la transhumance has evolved into a bit of a party with music and food, picnic and the musical accompaniment of the cattle and their cowbells!
The fete takes place on 25 May 2014 at the Col de Bonnecombe on the plateau between St Flour and Millau (12 Aveyron, Midi-Pyrenees) – just west of the A75 Autoroute.
For more info see www.aubrac-sud-lozere.com
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