Transhumance in Barousse
The festival of transhumance in the Barousse valley in the heart of the Pyrenees
About Transhumance in Barousse
The Transhumance in Barousse: Between Living Tradition and Discovery
Each year, at the beginning of June, the Barousse valley reopens its paths to the slow pace of the flocks. The Transhumance in Barousse is much more than a tourist show: it is a still-living agricultural act, perpetuating the ancestral practice of moving sheep to high-altitude pastures to the steady rhythm of their bells.
Two Days to the Rhythm of the Flocks
The event takes place over two days, inviting the public to follow the flocks for over 20 kilometers. On Friday, starting at 5 PM, walkers accompany the animals from Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges for an 11 km walk along the D925 to Mauléon-Barousse, where they arrive around 7 PM. The evening continues around a campfire with a free concert.
On Saturday morning, between 7 AM and 9 AM, the flocks leave Mauléon-Barousse for the pastures. The public can follow a first stage of 8 km through open farmland to the Granges de Crouhens, then an optional second stage of 10 km towards the high-altitude pastures. The gathering happens at the animals' pace, without a precise schedule — punctuality not being the strong suit of our four-legged friends.
Festivities and Conviviality
On Saturday evening, a regional meal is organized in Sacoué starting at 7 PM, hosted by the Folies Bandas. The menu features local specialties: Serrano ham melon, prune-stuffed pork roast, Barousse cheese, and chocolate cake. This moment of sharing between breeders, walkers, and locals concludes a weekend rooted in Pyrenean pastoral life.
Transhumance in Barousse — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Transhumance en Barousse will take place on Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6, 2026 between Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, Mauléon-Barousse and the Crouhens summer pastures. On the program: pastoral vigil, free concert by the Occitan group Parpalhon, ascent of the herds to the summer pastures, tasting hike, and festive meal animated by Folie Bandas.
2026 Edition of the Transhumance en Barousse
\nThe Communauté de Communes Neste-Barousse, in conjunction with the Commission syndicale pastorale and local breeders, is organizing the traditional Transhumance en Barousse on June 5 and 6, 2026, two days of pastoral celebration between Comminges and the Pyrenean summer pastures.
\nThe Route
\nOn Friday, June 5 at 5 PM, sheep and cattle will leave Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges to reach Mauléon-Barousse by taking the D925 for 11 km. Upon arrival, the Mauléon-Barousse motorhome area will host the pastoral vigil, followed by a free concert by the group Parpalhon (Occitan rock) at 9 PM. Free camping is available on site for those who wish to stay.
\nOn Saturday, June 6 between 7 AM and 9 AM, the herds will begin their ascent to the summer pastures: 8 km by road to the Crouhens barns, with an option of an additional 10 km by trail and forest for the most motivated walkers. A return shuttle is organized from the Crouhens barns in the afternoon.
\nA 2026 novelty: coming by train
\nThis year, the Neste-Barousse Tourist Office highlights the possibility of joining the transhumance by train from Toulouse, Tarbes, Saint-Gaudens or Bagnères-de-Luchon, to Loures-Barbazan station, with bicycle rental available to reach Mauléon-Barousse.
Programme Transhumance in Barousse 2026
Friday, June 5, 2026
\n- \n
- 5 PM — Departure of the herds (sheep and cattle) from Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges \n
- 5 PM-9 PM — Descent for 11 km via the D925 to Mauléon-Barousse — accompaniment on foot possible \n
- 8 PM — Pastoral vigil at the Mauléon-Barousse motorhome area (village entrance) \n
- 9 PM — Free concert by the group Parpalhon (Occitan rock) · free access \n
- Free camping available on site for the night \n
Saturday, June 6, 2026
\n- \n
- 7 AM-9 AM — Ascent of the herds towards the summer pastures from Mauléon-Barousse · 8 km by road to the Crouhens barns (option of an additional 10 km by trail and forest to the summer pastures) · public accompaniment on foot possible \n
- 9 AM — Tasting Hike departing from Mauléon-Barousse with a mid-mountain guide, tasting at a local producer · 5 €/person \n
- 2 PM-6 PM — Return shuttles from the Crouhens barns \n
- 7 PM — Festive meal at the Izaourt village hall, entertainment by the group Folie Bandas · 20 € adult, 15 € child (under 12) \n
Highlights Transhumance in Barousse 2026
- \n
- Two days of transhumance between Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, Mauléon-Barousse and the Crouhens summer pastures \n
- Accompanied walk with the herds open to the public — 8 km by road + 10 km optional through the forest \n
- Free concert by the Occitan group Parpalhon on Friday evening \n
- Guided Tasting Hike on Saturday morning (5 €/person) at a local producer's \n
- Festive meal in Izaourt on Saturday evening animated by Folie Bandas (20 €/15 €) \n
- Possibility to come by train (Toulouse, Tarbes, Saint-Gaudens, Bagnères-de-Luchon) + bicycle rental in Loures-Barbazan \n
Prices Transhumance in Barousse 2026
Practical information — Transhumance in Barousse
Access
Mauléon-Barousse is located in the south of the Hautes-Pyrénées, about 80 km south of Tarbes. The Friday departure is from Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges (village entrance).
Route
- Friday: Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges → Mauléon-Barousse (11 km, departure 5 PM)
- Saturday: Mauléon-Barousse → Granges de Crouhens (8 km, departure 7 AM-9 AM)
- Option: Crouhens → High-altitude pastures (additional 10 km)
Saturday Evening Meal
In Sacoué from 7 PM. Prices: 20 euros adults, 15 euros children.
Tips
- Bring good hiking shoes
- Pack a picnic in your backpack for Saturday
- Schedules depend on the pace of the flocks
Contact
- Neste-Barousse Tourist Office: 05 62 99 21 30
- Email: [email protected]
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Where does it take place — Transhumance in Barousse
Place de la Sofova, Mauléon-Barousse
Place de la Sofova, 65370 Mauléon-Barousse