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Bay of Somme: transhumance of sheep to reach the sea
In the Bay of Somme, the traditional transhumance takes place. The animals move to the grasslands, which gives a particular taste to the meat.
(France 2)
In the Bay of Somme, the traditional transhumance takes place. The animals move to the grasslands, which gives a particular taste to the meat.
Transhumance in the Bay of Somme is a tradition that dates back to the 15th century. Every year, the same scenario occurs, 2,000 sheep with black or white heads return to the salt meadows. But before reaching the pastures, the path is long and full of obstacles. The shepherds will guide the sheep over five kilometers, accompanied by friends and neighbors. It takes people to contain the immense herd.
“They know there is beautiful grass to eat”
Lambs who leave the fold for the first time are a little lost. They will have to cross locks, roads and villages, in front of the public. Every spring, the sheep head back to the sea. For five generations, Denis Dupays’ family has been a breeder. “They know there is beautiful grass to eat”, confides the operator. After several hours, the sheep reach the immense meadows flooded by the sea during high tides. There they taste the salty herbs which give this particular taste to the lambs.
