About 700 animals are moving to the mountains in the Belledonne massif. These animals are sheep, lambs, rams, and goats. Shepherds from the Gap region are leading them. This is part of a special festival in Le Collet d’Allevard. This tradition is very old. It is more than 1,000 years old.
Transhumance is the name for this seasonal movement. In the winter, the animals stay in the lowlands because the weather is warm. In the summer, the shepherds move them to high mountains. There, the animals eat fresh grass. This helps the animals stay healthy. In the past, modern farming changed things. Many people thought this old tradition would disappear. However, the tradition is now becoming popular again.
This movement is good for nature too. When sheep and goats eat the grass, they stop too many bushes from growing. This helps prevent wildfires in the mountains. If there are fewer bushes, there is less fuel for fires. The animals also help many different plants and insects live in the area. This is called biodiversity. It keeps the mountain environment healthy.
The festival shows that old traditions can help solve modern problems. The shepherds are not just moving animals. They are also protecting the mountains. By using these ancient ways, people can keep the mountains beautiful and safe for the future. This tradition connects the past with the modern world.