Transhumance

The Aubrac Transhumance

Transhumance is an inescapable tradition on the Aubrac plateau, located at the junction of three départements: Aveyron, Cantal and Lozère, within the Aubrac Regional Nature Park.

Every year on May 25, Saint Urbain‘s Day, Aubrac cows head off to the high pastures, where they join their young calves to enjoy the fine weather until at least October.

This event attracts visitors from all over France, and even abroad, who come to follow the herds, meet the breeders, taste the local produce and share moments of conviviality.

May 23-26
at Aubrac

May 25 and 26
at Col de Bonnecombe

From May 23 to 26, Aubrac hosts the Fête de la Vache Aubrac en Transhumance, while on May 25 and 26, 2024, the Col de Bonnecombe also celebrates transhumance. Traditionally, on Saint Urbain’s day (formerly May 25), cattle herds leave the surrounding valleys for the lush green pastures of the Aubrac plateau, where they spend the summer before returning in October for Saint Géraud’s day.

Since 1993, this tradition has been honored with two colorful and lively celebrations. One takes place at the hamlet ofAubrac, in Aveyron, and the other at the Col de Bonnecombe, in Lozère, on the weekend closest to May 25. The herds, adorned with decorations, offer a picturesque spectacle as they pass by, accompanied by a host of entertainment. In addition, a Salon du Terroir Aubrac will be held in Aubrac on May 25 and 26.