Festival of the Transhumance and Clairette

The transhumance: a millennial tradition celebrated in Diois

Each year in June, flocks of sheep leave the plains of Diois to reach the Vercors pastures and the high plateaus. This seasonal movement, the transhumance, is an ancestral pastoral practice inscribed on the intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO. The Festival of the Transhumance and Clairette has been celebrating this key moment in the agricultural life of Diois since 1991.

A festival born from one man's passion

The first edition took place in 1991, at the initiative of the Drailles association and its legendary president André Pitte. Its success has never wavered since. The event has become a must-see on the Diois calendar, attracting thousands of visitors each year to witness the passage of the flocks and discover the pastoral and wine-growing traditions of the region.

A program between pastures and vineyards

The festival unfolds over several days and in several locations. On Saturday, in Châtillon-en-Diois, a medieval village listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, a festive day welcomes the passage of the flock in the morning and late afternoon. On Sunday, visitors can find the flock on the Moutière pasture. A third day at the Col de Rousset, the gateway to the Vercors Hauts Plateaux Nature Reserve, completes the program.

Clairette de Die in the spotlight

The festival also highlights the wine heritage of Diois. Visitors can taste and discover the appellations AOC Clairette de Die, Châtillon-en-Diois, Crémant de Die, and Coteaux de Die. Local winemakers and producers offer tastings and share their expertise on these unique sparkling wines, made using the ancestral method.

Workshops, meetings, and know-how

The Festival of the Transhumance offers a rich program of workshops on wool: shearing, spinning, and weaving demonstrations. Conferences, exhibitions, and meetings with breeders and artisans provide a better understanding of the challenges of pastoralism and mountain agriculture. Children are not forgotten, with dedicated activities. Admission is free.