The pastoral way of life that shapes the landscape

The pastoral economy remains at the heart of the identity of the Aspe Valley. Landscapes that we gaze at today have been formed by ancient and traditional pastoral practices.

The charm of this valley was created from an alliance between nature and culture... this goes beyond the conflicts that may exist today surrounding the complex issue of cohabitation between men and bears.

Did youknow?

• 190 working farms distributed throughout the 13 villages
• There are 112 pastoral farmhouses in the Aspe Valley of which 70 cheese producers are open to the public
• There are 40,000 sheep, 4,500 cows, 200 goats and 100 tons of cheese produced in mountain pastures during the summer (500,000 litres of milk, mostly milked by hand!) and there are even more farms that operate throughout the year

Some major events that allow you to take part in a world that no longer exists in most other mountain areas:

• the Lourdios transhumance: 1st Saturday in June
• Cheese Day of Etsaut: sunday 24 July 2011 - visit the website of Cheese Day