Every year, at the dawn of the first sweet spring weather, the Lemercier family embraces an ancestral tradition that dances to the rhythm of the mountains and caresses the shores of the Mediterranean. The transhumance of sheep, a true family heritage, takes us on a poetic journey where the smell of wild herbs mixes with that of memories. With the tinkling of bells and the gentle bleating of sheep, this seasonal migration reveals itself like an age-old ballet, between captivating landscapes and warm moments of sharing. Across the green hills and steep slopes, the Lemercier clan perpetuates an art of living where nature, passion and the transmission of a centuries-old culture combine.
An Ancestral Journey
Every year, when the first light of dawn illuminates the sky, the Lemercier family prepares for an adventure that transcends time. It is a moment full of magic and tradition, where more than 2000 sheep set off towards the Highlands of Vercors. From their sheepfold located in Bouches-du-Rhône, the family once again takes on its role as breeder, perpetuating an ancestral tradition that has spanned generations.
On this vast plain of Crau, between the Etang de Berre and the Camargue, the herd is carefully orchestrated. Semi-trailer drivers disembark, lowering metal bridges to accommodate the sheep. Every gesture counts, every maneuver must be precise to avoid the chaos of a herd which, although accustomed to these movements, never fails to bring its share of unforeseen events.
The Gathering of the Flock
Barely 7:30 a.m. on June 21, the atmosphere is already charged with excitement and impatience. The bleating of the sheep mixes with the ringing of cowbells, while the dust rises under their feet. Every shepherd knows that this moment is crucial, because the entry of the herd into the trucks must be orchestrated in three stages, with almost choreographic rigor.
The maneuver is both a physical challenge and a delicate dance. The sheep, guided by instinct, move forward and backward, creating a living, vibrant and authentic spectacle where humans blend into nature.
The Rise to Altitudes
The convoy then sets off, taking the winding roads that lead towards the mountains. Throughout the journey, the landscapes transform. The dry plains give way to green mountains, where the freshness of the Vercors impatiently awaits the arrival of the sheep. This journey is much more than a simple transfer; it symbolizes the attachment of a family to its roots, to its pastoral heritage.
The sheep, on their way to new pastures, enjoy the freshness of the mountain pastures, while the Lemercier family reflects on the importance of this migration, indissolubly linked to their identity. It is a ritual passage, a breath of pure air that revitalizes not only the animals, but also those who guide them.
A Renewed Family Tradition
This tradition is deeply rooted in the hearts of the Lemerciers. Each member of the family, from the youngest to the oldest, plays a vital role in this communion with nature and animals. Magali and her daughter Julie, for example, share a unique bond, uniting the strengths and know-how passed on by their elders.
Today, transhumance is no longer limited to simple movement. It is also intended to be a celebration of agricultural life, a tribute to the harmony between people and nature. Mountain walks, evenings around the fire and the exchange of stories nourish this living and vibrant culture.
A Future to Preserve
While the world evolves and agricultural practices undergo transformations, the Lemercier family remains determined to preserve this tradition. Their challenge? Pass on this passion to new generations, so that one day they too can vibrate to the rhythm of the bleating and marvel at the grandiose landscapes of the heights.
Transhumance is much more than a simple seasonal movement. It is a human adventure, a love story between a people and their land, a dance punctuated by the seasons and storms. In each step taken, the Lemerciers remind us: they are not only breeders, but also the guardians of an unwavering link with their roots.
