Transhumance in the Vicdessos

These pictures come from the blog of Martin Castellan, taken in  the Vicdessos valley near Tarascon (Ariège). 

It portrays the transhumance, the movement of cattle and sheep to the mountain pastures in spring. 

Huge flocks, a few shepherds and a good number of enthusiasts helping to get the animals up. 

It shows perfectly well why the beret has become the headgear of choice for the Pyrenean shepherds; shielding their eyes from the sun and bright light, protecting the head and shoulders from rain.