🐂 🌱Cow Festival on the Aubrac Plateau🧀

The Cow Festival (Fête de l’Estive) held in the Aubrac plateau is a major event that celebrates the traditions and agricultural culture of the region. The festival takes place every year from late spring to early summer, and specifically marks the start of the grazing season, when the cows move from their winter stables to the summer plateau. Symbolizing a life in harmony with nature, this festival is loved by tourists and locals alike, and is a great opportunity to experience the charm of the local culture and specialties. 📜 History and background of the festival Seasonal grazing, called “Estive”, is an essential part of the livestock industry in the Aubrac plateau. This tradition reflects the history of the local people living with livestock. • Origin: The grazing culture has continued since the Middle Ages, and by moving the cows to the rich pastures of the plateau, a system was created to give the lowland grass a rest when it dried up during the winter. • The beginning of the festival: This movement has developed into an event that celebrates local ties and gratitude to nature, rather than just agricultural work. In modern times, the festival has attracted tourists and developed into the current form. 🗓️ Event information • Date: Late May every year (It may vary depending on the season, so we recommend checking the official website) • Location: Aubrac plateau (particularly the area that spans Aveyron, Lozère, and Cantal) Access • Nearest cities: Rodez and Moulins • Car: It is convenient to travel by car to the villages in the plateau. • Public transport: Local buses are available from Rodez Station and Moulins Station. 🌟 Highlights of the festival 1. Cow parade 🐄 Cows, the pride of local farmers, are lined up, decorated with bright flowers. This moving procession invites spectators to the beautiful scenery and pastoral culture of the plateau. 2. Local food tasting and food stalls 🧀🍖 There will be food stalls where you can enjoy local cheeses (Roquefort and Bleu d'Auvergne), Aligot, charcoal grilled meat, and more. Wine from the south of France will also be served. 3. Traditional music and dance 🎶 The festival will be colored by folk music and dance unique to the Occitania region, and it is a participatory event that the audience can enjoy together. 4. Regional culture experience There will be demonstrations of livestock and agriculture, and exhibitions of traditional crafts, allowing you to get a deeper experience of the local culture. 🧀 Festival specialties and recommendations Don't miss out on the gourmet food and local specialties unique to the Aubrac plateau! 1. Aligot A melting potato and cheese puree, a specialty of the plateau. It is standard to enjoy it with grilled meat at the festival. 2. Roquefort cheese A must-try blue cheese aged in the caves of Roquefort, which is also designated as a World Heritage Site! 3. Local wine and charcuterie Red wine and preserved foods such as sausages from the Aubrac region are also popular. 4. Traditional honey and herbal tea Local specialties harvested from the plateau can also be purchased at stalls set up by local farmers. 🏞️ How to enjoy the festival 1. Arrive early to see the cows preparing → The cows start to be decorated in the morning, so if you go early you can enjoy it more. 2. Interact with the local people → Talk to farmers and craftsmen and you may discover new things about the grazing culture and local specialties! 3. Combine with a plateau walk → After the festival, you can enjoy the beauty of nature by hiking the Aubrac plateau. 🌍 Finally The Aubrac Plateau Cow Festival is a rare opportunity to feel the preciousness of a life that coexists with nature. Join this festival filled with gratitude for livestock and the richness of local culture, and experience the rustic charm of southern France🐂✨! #Overseas travel record #France