In the alpine valleys, cowbells are once again ringing. With the first departures for the mountain pastures, the pedestrian transhumances mark the return of an ancestral rite that still punctuates the life of certain Savoyard mountains.
In the Belleville valley, the Combes mountain pasture will kick things off on May 30th. Around 180 Tarine and Abondance cows will leave the valley to head for the high-altitude pastures, supervised by the Collin and Poccard families, among the last producers of «alpage chalet» Beaufort in the area.
The departure always takes place to the rhythm of the cowbells. At the head of the flocks, the shepherds Sylvain and Jean-Luc will lead the ascent on foot to the green mountain pastures. At altitude, David, the cheesemaker, will reopen the mountain pasture chalet where the first Beaufort cheeses of the season will be made.
For almost a hundred days, men and beasts will live far from the crowds, in a daily life governed by milking, grazing and cheese-making.
A climb that attracts locals and the curious
Further south, in Haute Maurienne Vanoise, William Filliol also perpetuates this increasingly rare tradition. At 51, the farmer continues to lead his 48 Tarine and Abondance cows, as well as his two bulls, on foot to his mountain pasture located at 2,000 metres altitude, near the Vallonbrun refuge.
The start should be given at the beginning of June from Val Cenis Lanslevillard. After a few kilometres along the village road, the herd will tackle the mountain paths for a climb of about an hour and a half, at the slow pace of the animals.
In the valley, these alpine transhumance gatherings have become genuine popular events. Locals, hikers and tourists often accompany the herds for part of the route, before sharing a coffee or some local specialities upon arrival.
In the Alps, much of the transhumance is now done by truck. Seeing herds still making their way to the mountain pastures on foot therefore remains a spectacle in itself. It is also a way of remembering the essential role of pastoralism in the maintenance of landscapes and the life of the valleys.
The season will take on a special dimension on June 20th in Les Belleville. Pépé Nicolas's *emmontagnée* will celebrate its 40th anniversary this year. Since 1986, this event has marked the beginning of pastoral summer in the valley.
Setting off from Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, a herd of 30 cows and 80 goats will make their way up to the mountain pasture located six kilometres higher up. A festive ascent of around four hours, punctuated by entertainment and exchanges with the alpine farmers.
Upon arrival, a convivial lunch and discoveries around Alpine customs will be organised at the mountain chalet of Chez Pépé Nicolas, facing the peaks of Les Belleville.