16/06/2026
We are back from one of the best trips away.
Richard and I were invited to the Transhumance event in the Cévennes mountains.
The ancient, seasonal practice of moving livestock.
The farmers move their flocks up to the summer pasture until September when they will return ready for lambing later in September.
We spent a number of days with different farmers and their flocks of sheep. We watched the sun coming up and going back down. These are long walks in hot conditions.
We attended the amazing festival in the town. Which is still to this day dedicated to the sheep and this tradition. Which is within a national park.
We had a questions and answers moment at the festival where we were able to talk about what we found similar and what we found to be very different. It was clear that French farmers also have struggles with continuous government legislation. Not quite as bad as here in the UK but definitely a real struggle to keep agriculture a viable career.
One thing that struck Richard and I was how supportive the local community are. They make a huge effort to only buy local. I say they as in people in the community, cafés and restaurants. And I mean that in as really strong passionate sense. They only eat local meat, local eggs, local cheese, local bread. They don't visit large supermarkets to buy what they can buy locally. Interestingly they truly seem to understand that if they don't buy local then farms close, jobs are lost. Family's move. Life itself would be very different if all the local none farming families solely shopped at the large supermarkets.
We are very greatful to those who support our farm shop. It was really interesting talking to the French farmers about their diversifications. Many grow onions alongside tending their flock of sheep in the region we were in.
It was also clear ALL farms sold produce directly from the farm and to the local stores and local community. There was a LOT of sheep and goats cheese 🧀 😍
On a side note the shop is open. I will be putting the various orders together that came in whilst I was away and getting intouch with those who have messaged when I can. I'm just trying to get around to check all the animals 1st.
