Frédéric, a passionate shepherd

September 2, 2024

Every summer, Frédéric Joujoux leaves the Gard to drive his flock of sheep to Val d'Isère. For four months, he watches over 300 head of livestock on the heights of the village.

At dawn, whatever the weather, he heads for the mountain pasture to free his ewes from the night paddock and lead them to the day paddock. He makes sure they have access to water and feeds his two patous, Ramsès and Cévennes, who keep watch throughout the night to prevent wolf attacks. While his ewes graze peacefully, Frédéric looks after their well-being, tending any small wounds, managing the water supply, and making sure that the safety devices against predators (gates, electronic fences, cameras) are in place. Between these tasks, he finds time to listen to the radio or read. As the season progresses, he takes his flock to higher altitudes to offer them richer grass and cooler temperatures. To keep the ewes from scattering, Frédéric can count on the invaluable help of his two other working dogs, specially trained to herd and guide the flock. Before sunset, Frédéric takes his ewes back to the night pen and returns to the village.

Although his work may seem lonely, he finds the company of his animals fulfilling. This constant contact with nature and the animals, as well as the freedom he finds in these mountains, are what he appreciates most.

As a passionate breeder, Frédéric also invests in selection work to improve his flock and prepare for the sale of his ewes.

Next time you stroll towards Le Fornet, look up: you might just catch a glimpse of Frédéric and his herd at work!