My 45 years of walking transhumance
Photographer and journalist, André Abbe started his immersion with the shepherds of Provence in 1974. For 45 years, André participated in transhumance on foot to the Mercantour. A story and photos to remember this tradition now to UNESCO heritage.
1974: First transhumance
Until 1973, I had about 50 peaches in the Planet. I was in full harvest at the end of June.
That is why I did my first transhumance on foot only in June 1974.
I had received a grubbing-up premium. I didn't make much money with my peaches. Yet I was making the effort to bring them to the market of Saint Aygulf to my friend Jo Hovanessian.
3 days walking with 600 sheep
In 1974, we left the house of master of the Bouverie with about 600 sheep.
There were those of Aman and Paul Goujon and those of Clement and Elijah Michel.
We walked three days, with one stage in Trestaure and another at the Luby.
Two teenagers from Saint Paul were with us, including the current mayor of Saint Paul.
I left the transhumance in Sagne so I could enjoy a van returning to Roquebrune.
The herd was an hour's walk from Touyet, where we were going « sort »
A nice memory. Most photos were not scanned.
I sold a few at the Dauphinois Museum.
We have the precious picture of Francine and François who came to meet us on the road.
It will be easy to check if it is 74 or 75, seeing the child closer!
1975: meeting with the shepherd Julien Raynaud
In 1975, I walked three days with the same shepherds until the farm of Bartouille, a commune of Briançonnet.
Clement had put in contact with Julien Raynaud who had agreed that I would come with him.
That year, we were only four, Julien, Elie Michel, JM Michel du Touyet. All three became friends. Raymonde Raynaud was the steward.
1989: Shepherd Julien Raynaud hands over to Bernard Bellini
I did not make the account of transhumances go with Julien until 1989 when he passed the hand to Bernard and Martine Bellini. I didn't count those with my young friends either.
Without going into the details, during the 1980s-90s, I did the transhumance with the Rondellis, passing through the gorges of the Cians, with André Michel passing through the right bank of the Verdon.
With Jean Marie Michel, his brother, passing through Blieux, until Vauplane.
My last one was around 2019 (to be checked) three days on foot between the Puget and the Bastide, with the Bellini family, via Bargemon. I was going to sleep at home.
Transhumance back
I have done more rarely « demontanhage »
Once with the Goujon, twice with the Michels, between the Touyet and Roquebrune
At least three times with the Raynauds
In 1992 (verif) « product » a week of Mediarraneous Midi broadcasts, between Valberg and La Serre, during the transhumance return of the Bellini. I did the pica- pebre in Provencal. Great audience success
The last time, it was in 1993 with the Bellini and their cousin Jean Marie Michel, an excellent experienced shepherd who had made his career at the PTT. Between Adrech, commune of Beuil and Guillaumes. We passed the Mounier in the snow. Great pictures with rove goats, donkeys and yack.
I've done too many slides, not enough photos NB
