Transhumance Festival

2026 Edition: May 31st - June 6th

The 2026 edition of the Saint-Lary-Soulan Transhumance Festival is part of an expanded Pastoralism Week, from Sunday, May 31st to Saturday, June 6th, 2026. The program combines two major transhumances open to the public, opportunities for exchange with shepherds, activities focused on ecotourism, and the Rioumajou market.

Two transhumances, two itineraries

As every year, two ascents to the summer pastures are accessible to visitors:

• Soulan Transhumance (Sunday, May 31st, 2026) — Departure at 7:30 AM from the Vignec roundabout, arrival around 10:15 AM at the pastoral village of Soulan (1,250 m altitude). Blessing of the flocks and meeting with the shepherds at 10 AM, followed by a musical aperitif offered by the Tourist Office from 12 PM, then a meal with the shepherds at 1:30 PM (by reservation).
• Sailhan Transhumance (Saturday, June 6th, 2026) — Departure at 7:30 AM (presence at 7:15 AM) from Chemin des Caneilles, direction Frédancon, to the Rioumajou valley. Blessing of the flocks on Friday evening (5 PM-5:30 PM). Festive evening with aperitif at 7 PM and meal with mountain singers at 8:30 PM.

International Year of Pastoralism

2026 is the International Year of Pastoralism declared by the UN. The Saint-Lary-Soulan edition particularly emphasizes the role of breeders in the face of climate change, biodiversity, and food security. Pastoralism Week benefits from 65% European co-financing via the Interreg VI-A Spain-France-Andorra program (POCTEFA 2021-2027).

From Sunday, May 31st to Saturday, June 6th, 2026 — Pastoralism Week

A whole week dedicated to the pastoral traditions of the Aure valley: accompanying flocks to the summer pastures, exchanges with shepherds and breeders, discovery of old trades, nature outings, film screenings, and family activities.

Sunday, May 31st, 2026 — Soulan Transhumance

• 7:30 AM — Departure of the transhumance from the Vignec roundabout (Pla d'Adet road)
• 10:00 AM — Blessing of the flocks and meeting with the shepherds
• 10:15 AM — Arrival at the pastoral village of Soulan
• 12:00 PM — Musical aperitif offered by the Saint-Lary-Soulan Tourist Office
• 1:30 PM — Meal with the shepherds (by reservation): Gascon salad, grilled lamb and dauphinoise potatoes, tiramisu

Friday, June 5th, 2026 — Sailhan Evening

• 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM — Blessing of the flocks in Sailhan

Saturday, June 6th, 2026 — Sailhan Transhumance and Eco-Tourism Festival

• 7:15 AM — Presence on site (Chemin des Caneilles, Sailhan)
• 7:30 AM — Departure of the transhumance towards Frédancon and the Rioumajou valley
• Morning — Welcome of the transhumance in Rioumajou. Opening of the Eco-Tourism Festival.
• 10:30 AM — Walking stick carving workshop with a knife
• All day — Market of local artisans and producers. Educational area "From Sheep to Fabric" by the Marelha company. Free access to giant wooden games. Meetings with local stakeholders (ONF, Pyrénées National Park, pastoral groups). On-site catering.
• 2:00 PM — Walking stick carving workshop (2nd session)
• 7:00 PM — Aperitif in Sailhan
• 8:30 PM — Sailhan Transhumance meal animated by mountain singers (by reservation): garbure, lamb chops or sausages with potatoes, cheese, blueberry tart, coffee

• Two transhumances open to the public on two different itineraries (Soulan and Sailhan-Rioumajou)
• 2026 edition part of the International Year of Pastoralism declared by the UN
• Blessing of the flocks by the shepherds, a centuries-old Pyrenean tradition
• Musical aperitif offered upon arrival in Soulan
• Meal with the shepherds based on local products (grilled lamb, garbure)
• Market of local artisans and producers at the Rioumajou Eco-Tourism Festival
• Family workshops (stick carving, "From Sheep to Fabric" area, giant wooden games)
• Meetings with the ONF, the Pyrénées National Park, and pastoral groups
• European co-financing Interreg POCTEFA 2021-2027

Practical Information

Departure Locations

• Transhumance de Soulan: Vignec roundabout (Pla d'Adet road), Saint-Lary-Soulan. Departure at 7:30 AM, estimated arrival at 10:15 AM in the pastoral village of Soulan.
• Transhumance de Sailhan: Chemin des Caneilles towards Frédancon, Sailhan village. Departure at 7:30 AM (presence at 7:15 AM), arrival in the Rioumajou valley.
• Eco-Tourism Festival: main car park of Rioumajou, Saint-Lary-Soulan.

Period

Late May - early June each year, as part of the Pastoralism Week.

Prices

Participation in the transhumances is free. Aperitif offered upon arrival in Soulan (12 PM). Meals with the shepherds are paid and require reservation. The Rioumajou Eco-Tourism Festival has free access, with free workshops and activities.

Access

By car: Saint-Lary-Soulan is accessible via the D929 from Arreau (12 km). Free parking available in the village and at Rioumajou.

Contact and Reservations

• Saint-Lary-Soulan Tourist Office: 05 62 39 50 81
• Sailhan Committee: 06 73 47 37 09 or 06 75 84 23 30 (for the evening meal of the Sailhan Transhumance)
• Official website: saintlary.com — Online reservations: resa.saintlary.com