La Brigue: Fête de la Brebis Brigasque Returns on 18 October 2026 for Its 16th Edition

La Brigue is preparing to host one of its most cherished autumn events. On Sunday, 18 October, the Fête de la Brebis Brigasque returns for its 16th edition, celebrating pastoral heritage, the preservation of local sheep breeds and the traditional skills of the Roya Valley.

The festival will bring together farmers, producers, craftspeople and visitors for a day combining rural culture, gastronomy and activities for all ages. The village’s historic centre will become a meeting place for anyone wishing to discover local traditions, meet the people who keep pastoral heritage alive and take part in the many activities on offer.

Admission is free, and all activities are free of charge.

Basket weaving takes centre stage at the 2026 festival

This year’s main new feature is a programme dedicated to basket weaving, a traditional craft involving the weaving of natural plant fibres such as willow. The programme will include a specialist market, hands-on workshops, a conference, a film screening and an exhibition showcasing contemporary creations.

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet professional basket makers, discover traditional weaving techniques and see how an age-old craft continues to evolve through new artistic and practical applications.

The market will bring together craftspeople presenting handmade items, from everyday objects to decorative pieces. Introductory workshops will also give visitors the chance to learn basic weaving techniques and create their own object.

One of the highlights will be the conference Les origines d’un savoir-faire qui tresse du lien, exploring the origins, history and uses of basket weaving. It will feature Hervé Brisot, a basket maker with more than 45 years of experience, who will share his knowledge of this traditional craft.

“Un Brin d’Espoir”: a project combining art and tradition

The basket-weaving programme will also feature Un Brin d’Espoir, a project bringing together visual storytelling, craftsmanship and contemporary creativity.

The initiative includes a short film made with hand-drawn illustrations, a workshop and an exhibition featuring eight works by contemporary basket makers. Its aim is to highlight the evolution of a traditional craft that continues to thrive through the expertise of artisans and the exploration of new forms of expression.

Traditional sheep and goat parade at 3 pm

One of the day’s main attractions will be the traditional pastoral parade through the historic streets, scheduled for 3 pm. This year’s edition will feature animals belonging to farmers Maurice Authier, from Puget-Théniers, and Michel Pelestor, from Valensole.

The two farmers’ combined flock numbers approximately 1,300 animals, including crossbred sheep also known as Merinos d’Arles. This type of sheep originated from crosses between local sheep from the Crau area and Merino rams brought from Spain.

The parade will offer visitors an opportunity to discover the work of local farmers and understand the continuing importance of pastoral farming to rural communities in the region.

The Brigasque sheep: the symbol of the festival

The star of the event remains the Brebis Brigasque, the traditional sheep breed of the Roya Valley after which the festival is named. Throughout the day, visitors will be able to see a flock belonging to farmer Barthélemy Lanteri near La Brigue Castle.

Protecting this breed is the original purpose of the festival, which was created to raise awareness of the risk of the Brigasque sheep disappearing and to support the farmers who continue to breed it.

The animals are therefore more than just an attraction: they offer an opportunity to understand the importance of local breeds and their connection to the landscape and cultural identity of the valley.

Local produce, music and activities for the whole family

Alongside the pastoral and basket-weaving events, the Fête de la Brebis Brigasque will feature a market showcasing local producers and craftspeople.

Visitors will be able to discover regional specialities, including sheep’s cheese and honey, which reflect the area’s gastronomic traditions. The programme will also include music, botanical walks, workshops, exhibitions and activities for children.

There will also be a dedicated area for local associations, as well as several food and refreshment options for those wishing to spend the entire day in La Brigue.

The festival is designed for a wide audience, from enthusiasts of rural traditions and traditional crafts to families looking for an autumn outing combining culture, nature and gastronomy.

A festival created to save the Brigasque sheep

The Fête de la Brebis Brigasque was first held in 2009, when the local sheep breed was threatened with extinction. The festival was established to help protect the breed, promote the work of local farmers and preserve a tradition deeply rooted in the Roya Valley.

Over the years, the event has become a regular fixture on the local autumn calendar, bringing the community together and attracting visitors interested in pastoral culture and the region’s traditional crafts.

Today, the festival welcomes approximately 5,000 visitors and provides an opportunity to pass on traditional knowledge and skills to younger generations.

Fête de la Brebis Brigasque: practical information

The 16th edition of the Fête de la Brebis Brigasque will take place on Sunday, 18 October 2026, in La Brigue, in the Roya Valley.

• Date: Sunday, 18 October 2026
• Location: La Brigue, France
• Admission: Free
• Activities: Free of charge
• Main event: Pastoral parade at 3 pm
• Programme: Local producers’ and crafts market, basket-weaving workshops, conference, exhibition, music, botanical walks and children’s activities

A day dedicated to discovering the traditions of the Roya Valley, supporting local farmers and celebrating a cultural heritage that continues to connect nature, craftsmanship and local identity.