The climb to the estive
required the movement of part of the farm to accompany the men. The men lived
and worked in the temporary summer burons, on the mountain. Poultry, pigs asses or mules were taken with the men.
This group, as in the Middle Ages lived in complete self sufficiency above
1200m.
The estive climb began normally
on the day of St Urbain, 25th May, and returned on the day of St
Martin, 11th November. The actual dates obviously depended on the
weather, particularly the snow. These altitude pastures were often situated far
from the working farm and sometimes required several days walking. Later the
herds travelled by train, but now moving by lorries is more usual.
As the milk could not be taken
to the farm each day it was treated in the buron. Cheese making was the only
method of conserving milk at that time. This activity lasted until the last war
and in some places until the 1960’s.
L’Estival de
Transhumance has been revived in Allanche on the Cézalier at the end of May. The
herds, decorated with flowers and ribbons, are driven through the village. The accompanying cowherds dress in
traditional costumes.
Dancing and singing
groups, also in traditional costumes, perform in the streets. There is an
ox barbecue and market stalls.
Walking in
the Cantal for information on walking and walks in France
and the Cantal, accommodation, food and wine.
