Shepherds’ and Traditions Festival

7 Nov – 29 Nov

Maison du Patrimoine et des Traditions, 27 Boulevard De la republique, 13800 Istres

The Shepherds’ Festival in Istres pays tribute to Provençal tradition, transhumance and the Crau region. It takes place every year in November in Istres.

Having become, over the years, an unmissable event, the Shepherds’ Festival attracts thousands of people every year – lovers of Provençal tradition and its traditional costumes. It is a way of reconnecting with the traditions of the recent past and offering the public a glimpse of days gone by and the full richness of Provençal culture. Highlights: Shepherds’ Bingo Grand concert All-day pastoral festival at the Domaine du Deven, featuring sheep, goats, horse-drawn carriage rides, charity stalls, fairground games, shepherds, and more. Refreshments and food available… Shepherds’ Dinner and Show at the Halle Polyvalente. Provençal Mass at the Domaine de Sulauze Grand Transhumance Parade through the town centre (free) featuring over 3,000 animals from Christian Trouillard’s Domaine de la Massuguière, (sheep, Rove goats and Provençal donkeys) – this is undoubtedly the most impressive and largest herd ever to pass through a town. A veritable river of sheep accompanied by shepherds from La Crau, the Carreto Ramado (flower-decked cart) from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, donkeys and herdsmen from across the region, folk groups, as well as numerous horse-drawn carriages. Closing performance by the groups taking part in the parade.

Automatically translated

Listing provided by Office de Tourisme d'Istres (updated by the source on 09/09/2026).

Tourist office data: DATAtourisme, Licence Ouverte (French open licence), updated 24 October 2026.