La Transhumance Fête la Musique

La Transhumance Fête la Musique: Pastoralism and Music in Matheysine

For several years, La Transhumance Fête la Musique has offered a one-of-a-kind event in the French Alps: a journey into the heart of Alpine pastoralism combined with the discovery of the new French music scene. The festival takes place every year around June 21st, Fête de la Musique, in the village of Lavaldens and the hamlet of Moulin Vieux, in Matheysine (Isère).

Transhumance: A Living Spectacle

The highlight of the event is the festive transhumance: a flock of sheep travels a 5-kilometer route through the Roizonne valley, accompanied by the public and led by a musical group on a float. The departure is at 9:30 AM in Lavaldens, and the ascent to the alpine pastures offers a unique spectacle blending pastoral tradition and musical atmosphere.

Two Days of Festivities

The program spans two days rich in discoveries:

• Friday evening: aperitif, screenings, and concerts to kick off the festivities with music
• Saturday: transhumance in the morning, followed by the "Transhumance Village" in the afternoon with a market of local artisans and producers, exhibitions, conferences, demonstrations of Alpine horns, games, and plant tastings
• Saturday evening: concerts under a marquee with about ten invited bands from the local, Grenoble, and national scene

An Eclectic Musical Program

The musical program highlights the diversity of sounds and musical encounters. Previous editions have hosted bands with various styles: afrobeat, swing, French chanson, world music, and many others. Among the artists who have participated: Wai, Afro Beat Collective, Swing sous le béret, Fat Bastards, Les frères Parrish, Madame Oleson, Basta Pai Pai, Les Mooritzs, and Marianne Aya Omac.

Strong Territorial Roots

The event is part of a initiative to promote the Matheysine territory and its pastoral traditions. It notably participated in the Paysage>Paysages program of the Department of Isère, which invites visitors to discover the Isère landscapes through cultural and artistic events.