Transhumance in Aubrac - Col de Bonnecombe

An ancestral tradition in the heart of Aubrac

The Transhumance at Col de Bonnecombe perpetuates a centuries-old pastoral tradition: every year around May 25th, on Saint Urbain's Day, the Aubrac cattle herds leave the valley stables to reach the high-altitude pastures on the Aubrac plateau. This seasonal movement, recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, has been celebrated as a major festival at Col de Bonnecombe since 1993.

The spectacle of the ascent

On Sunday morning, breeders from neighboring communes — Les Salces, Trélans, Saint-Pierre-de-Nogaret, and Les Hermaux — lead their herds, decorated with flower collars, wreaths, and ribbons, to the Col de Bonnecombe, located at an altitude of 1,340 meters at the foot of Mailhebiau, the highest point of Aubrac. The ringing of the bells, the flags, and the ribbons fluttering in the wind offer a moving and picturesque spectacle.

A magnificent setting

The Col de Bonnecombe offers an exceptional panorama of the vast expanses of the Aubrac plateau. At an altitude of 1,340 meters, this natural passage between the valleys and the summer pastures is the ideal setting for this celebration of pastoral tradition.

The festival program

Saturday: Festi'Rando

On Saturday afternoon, Festi'Rando offers hikes starting from the pass: a 9 km loop towards the Signal de Mailhebiau (2.5 hours, medium difficulty) and a 5 km narrated walk (2.5 hours, easy). The evening continues with a concert aperitif.

Sunday: The grand festival

Sunday begins with a Mass under a tent at 10 am, followed by the blessing of the herds and their arrival at the pass around 11 am. A local produce market offers local Aubrac products: charcuterie, aligot, cheeses, and desserts. Folk dances, Occitan music with cabrette and accordion liven up the day. A full country meal is served (€23 adults, €12 children).

A pastoral heritage

While sheep transhumance was practiced at Col de Bonnecombe until the 1950s, it was cattle transhumance that was revived in 1993. Since then, this festival has brought together several thousand visitors each year to share this moment of conviviality and tradition in the heart of Lozère's Aubrac.