This summer, discover the traditions of livestock farming and life in the mountains thanks to activities organised by the shepherds based in the Serre Chevalier area.
Come and talk to these passionate professionals who share their daily lives with their herds of cows and sheep, while learning the best practices to adopt in the presence of guard dogs.
Tuesday 14 July â Prorel Picnic Area â Briançon
Tuesday 28 July â Ratier â Chantemerle
Tuesday 11 August â Prorel Picnic Area â Briançon
Tuesday 18 August â Prorel Picnic Area â Briançon
âł Estimated duration: approx. 1 to 1.5 hours
âčïž Exact times will be communicated shortly
Programme:
discussions about the shepherdâs profession and mountain pastoralism
discovery of the sheep flock and life in alpine pastures
*Activities may be modified or cancelled depending on weather conditions and requirements related to flock management.
We invite you to support these unique encounters, which help to promote the profession of shepherd and preserve this living heritage. Every contribution, whatever it may be, helps to ensure that these precious exchanges between shepherds and visitors continue. Thank you for your support.
Protection dogs: responsible behaviour
In the mountains, herd protection dogs, known as "patous", play an essential role in keeping the animals safe. These dogs, which are generally large, are bred to defend the herd against predators and ensure its safety.
However, their behaviour can be intimidating for hikers and unsuspecting visitors.
A few simple gestures for a respectful encounter with "patou" dogs
Stay calm and don't run : guard dogs can perceive any escape as a threat and react accordingly.
Avoid approaching them : do not attempt to pet or approach the dogs. They are there to protect their herd, not to interact with humans.
Don't feed the dogs : offering them food could be detrimental to their education and protective role.
You'll find these posters near Arno's herds of cows and Max's herds of sheep
đIn your backpack: donât forget to bring sunglasses, a water bottle, sunscreen, a warm or waterproof jacket, and possibly hiking poles.
đ¶Stroller access is not suitable on the Sentier des Lutins trail during the animations with the herders.
đŸNo pets allowed, with Shepherds and their Patous, even on a lead, for the safety of the herds and the guard dogs.
*subject to change and access conditions
The applicable rate (start/end of season or season) is that on the 1st day of validity, whatever the duration.
All Ticket prices (excluding Insurance) are valid for the entire 2026 summer season and include all taxes at the current VAT rate, i.e. ten per cent (10%) of the price excluding taxes. (Art. 279b quater of the French General Tax Code).
Nevertheless, any increase in VAT above a rate of 10% of the price excluding taxes will automatically be reflected in the price including all taxes of orders sent from the date of the said change.