Provence Festival to Feature a Parade of 3,000 Sheep Through Its Streets

The Transhumance Festival in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

According to I am Aileen: Each year, the Fête de la Transhumance takes place in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a town in the Alpilles region of Southern France. This annual event celebrates the age-old practice of moving livestock between seasonal pastures. Its centerpiece is a parade of sheep, goats, donkeys, and shepherds dressed in traditional attire, winding through the narrow streets of the old town. The festival is traditionally held on Pentecost Monday, and the 2026 edition is scheduled for Monday, May 31, 2026. The event runs from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, though times may shift depending on weather conditions.

The parade kicks off at 10:30 AM, featuring more than 3,000 sheep alongside goats, donkeys, sheepdogs, and shepherds showcasing their heritage clothing. The procession makes two full circuits around the old town (tour de ville) on the boulevard that encircles the historic center of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Visitors are advised to arrive by 9:00 AM to secure a good viewing spot. Recommended vantage points include:

• the northern side of the boulevard near the gendarmerie
• Café des Arènes

Parking in the old town is severely limited on the day of the festival. Suggested parking locations include:

• Parking de la Libération (a 6-minute walk from the center)
• Parking Jean-Jaurès (5 minutes away)
• Parking Général de Gaulle (8 minutes away)
• Parking Arènes Chomel-Coinon (9 minutes away)

Notable nearby attractions worth visiting include:

• Glanum, a Roman archaeological site
• Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, the monastery where Vincent van Gogh stayed in 1889–1890
• Les Baux-de-Provence, a hilltop village
• Eygalières
• Avignon
• Arles

Why This Festival Matters

Transhumance refers to the seasonal movement of livestock-primarily sheep-between lowland and mountain pastures. The Transhumance Festival in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence plays a key role in preserving the region's traditions and cultural heritage, while also drawing attention from tourists and locals alike to this unique event.

Beyond honoring the shepherds' traditional way of life, the festival boosts the local tourism economy. Such events underscore the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage and offer visitors a chance to experience local customs and lifestyles firsthand. The influx of tourists can positively impact Saint-Rémy-de-Provence's economy, driving demand for hotels, restaurants, and other services.