Transhumance Festival in Aubrac
The grand festival of the herds' ascent to the village of Aubrac
About Transhumance in Aubrac
The Transhumance Festival in Aubrac is one of the three major celebrations of transhumance in the Massif Central, along with those of Col de Bonnecombe and Saint-Geniez-d'Olt. Every year on the weekend closest to May 25th, the hamlet of Aubrac welcomes thousands of visitors to witness the parade of flower-adorned cows ascending to the summer pastures. A local produce market, traditional music, hikes, and festive activities accompany this ancestral tradition inscribed in UNESCO's heritage. 7,000 to 10,000 visitors each year.
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Transhumance in Aubrac at the best price.
Sponsored link
Aubrac in Transhumance: A Unique Experience
Since 1993, the Transhumance Festival in Aubrac has celebrated an ancestral practice: the ascent of Aubrac cow herds from the valley stables to the high-altitude pastures of the Aubrac plateau. Historically set around Saint Urbain's Day (May 25th), this tradition is now celebrated on the weekend closest to this date in the village of Aubrac, a hamlet located on the border between Aveyron and Lozère.
The Spectacle of Decorated Herds
On Sunday morning, the decorated herds with flower garlands, wreaths, and colorful ribbons parade through the village of Aubrac, led by their breeders. The passage of the animals, accompanied by the tinkling of bells, is a moving spectacle that attracts between 7,000 and 10,000 visitors each year. The herds pass between 10 am and 3 pm, with decorated floats making a stop at the festival grounds.
A Tradition Recognized by UNESCO
In 2023, transhumance was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, recognizing this "seasonal movement of people and their livestock between different geographical or climatic regions" as a universal living heritage.
The Local Produce Market
Under a large marquee set up in the village, the Local Produce Market brings together numerous exhibitors from the Aubrac Regional Natural Park: cheesemakers, charcuterie producers, breeders, artisans, and beekeepers. It's an opportunity to discover and taste the emblematic products of Aubrac: aligot, fouace, Laguiole cheese, Aubrac meat, and mountain honey.
A Weekend of Festivities
Thursday Evening
The festival begins with a discovery evening in the village of Aubrac, a friendly preview of the weekend's festivities.
Saturday
The Local Produce Market opens for the day. Guided hikes, musical entertainment, and craft demonstrations punctuate the day. A shuttle service is provided to facilitate access.
Sunday
Main day with the passage of the herds, the market, folk entertainment, and country meals. Entry to the site is €8 per person (free for under 18s).
Transhumance in Aubrac — edition 2026
2026 edition of Aubrac in Transhumance. The herds will move on Sunday, May 24th. Discovery evening on Thursday, Local Produce Market on Saturday and Sunday, parade of decorated herds, traditional music, hikes, and producers' market.
Prices Transhumance in Aubrac 2026
Practical information — Transhumance in Aubrac
Access
The village of Aubrac is located in the commune of Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac (Aveyron), on the border with Lozère. The event is also linked to Lozère by the shared transhumance tradition.
- By car from Nasbinals (Lozère) : Follow the D987 towards Aubrac (approx. 15 minutes).
- By car from Mende : Follow the N88 towards Marvejols then the D900 towards Nasbinals/Aubrac (approx. 1h15).
Parking
Designated parking lots around the village. Shuttles on Saturday and Sunday. Accommodation booking is recommended from December due to the high attendance.
Prices
Sunday: €8 per person (free for under 18s).
Saturday: Free access to the Local Produce Market.
Contact
Official website: transhumance-aubrac.fr
Facebook: @transhumanceaubrac
Instagram: @aubrac_en_transhumance
Festival-goer photos
No photo yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No review yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Transhumance in Aubrac at the best price.
Sponsored link
Where does it take place — Transhumance in Aubrac
Village d'Aubrac
Village d'Aubrac, 48260 Aubrac