La Ferme des Cascades, a small ecological paradise to discover

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Eco-tourism, educational and agro-pastoral activities

The breathtaking view of the Pyrenees

It is early for vacationers… 6:15 am precisely. At the first light of day, there is no time to hang around for Théo, the shepherd of the high mountain pastures of the Ferme des Cascades, a 20-minute drive from the farm. The working day begins for him, accompanied by Mouche, the dog in charge of guarding the herd made up of about fifty ewes and two dairy cows .

Morning milking in the summer pastures

Around the milking hut, there is excitement: the sheep bleat and move in all directions. Like a well-established ritual, the daily routine is put in place and the animals jostle towards Théo, who settles down at the entrance to the pen to begin manual milking . Considered a painful and tedious operation by some breeders who have chosen mechanical milking, Theo does not see manual milking in the same way. He also displays a big smile at the sight of the sheep who try to force the passage to succeed one another in his skillful hands. He holds the udder firmly, squeezes the top, then squeezes it gently to release the milk that flows in a continuous stream into the bucket. It seems simple. Real moments of complicity with the animals that he guides to the sound of his voice, under the admiring gaze of the still sleeping guests, who have come to spend the night in the pasture to live an authentic experience as close as possible to the pastoral traditions of the Hautes Pyrénées .

There is no theory here, we come to learn, to soak up the life of a shepherd in the middle of the mountains, its atmospheres and its wonders . At 1600 meters above sea level in the heart of the Pyrenees , the grandiose natural setting of the summer pastures, symbol of transhumant breeders , offers a unique opportunity for tourists from all over France to recharge their batteries , get back to basics and take full advantage of the scenic beauty. The day before, leaving from the Cascades Farm below, they took part in a gathering of wild plants going up to the summer pastures. In the mountains, wild plants grow all around us and Theo takes visitors to meet this special edible flora that they delight in at lunch: spring rolls, green mouse samosas, monks' rhubarb , pesto plantin. wild garlic and asphodel nettles or coltsfoot pancakes for dessert ... Some plants have surprising taste properties and unexpected virtues! Through this initiatory, fun and botanical journey, the company of a good picker is very enriching. He knows how to recognize these plants and collect them while respecting their cycles to promote their reappearance the following year. The Farm also offers walks to discover edible wild plants along the banks of the Bernazaou without staying on site.

The delicious wild plant samosas

The day before, in the mountain hut, the participants were able to taste the fruit of their harvest embellished with farm products , after a very convivial collective preparation. On the menu: wild plants, Pyrenean fondue with potatoes and courgettes from the garden and a plate of homemade cheese ... After a rustic night in the mountain hut , the rendezvous is fixed in the early morning to attend the milking and the processing of milk on site and better understand the reality of artisanal production of non-standardized sheep and cow cheese, which is increasingly rare. Sheep cheese is made here exclusively in the summer, from June to September , during the transhumance.

I highly recommend this extraordinary stay for a weekend in the Pyrenees if you are passing through the region! Rest assured, the rudimentary comfort does not detract from the charm of this experience. Visitors are accommodated on the upper floor of the cabin, the mattresses are comfortable and the pure mountain air guarantees high quality sleep!

Optional: incredible biodiversity in the mountains!

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Goat milking, market gardening and wwoofing!

Back at the Ferme des Cascades, I explore this timeless place and stroll in the middle of a complex complex. Splendid waterfalls , country buildings that host a community of volunteers, a huge permaculture vegetable garden, and a sheepfold for the herd of goats that roam freely in this green setting. At 6 p.m., it's time for the old-fashioned goat milking , open to the public to the delight of young and old. Lucas also practices the gentle manual milking of goats in this sheepfold. Very educational , it explains in detail to the many children who attend this life-size demonstration the process of making goat cheese. He generously shares his know-how and his passion for animals. A privileged moment .

Milking goats in front of the public

After milking, I accompany Lucas to take the animals out to the pastures

During my stroll, I meet many young people who have come to invest in the farm for a few months on the basis of volunteering: a warm and dynamic community come to lend a hand to Jean-Michel Gabriel, the charismatic founder of the Farm by the through Wwoofing (World Wide Opportunities on Organics Farms). Coming from heterogeneous backgrounds, they are students, young graduates, passionate about agriculture or simply curious eager to get involved for the planet immersed in the daily life of organic agriculture . Housed and fed on site in exchange for their services, they made this eco-responsible choice for nature, animals and isolation, far from the tumult of civilization and the consumer society. La Ferme des Cascades is above all a place of exchange , mutual aid and initiative where everyone works humbly in the service of the community in order to delight the taste buds of customers who come to seek exceptional products in the boutique. the farm.

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Short circuit products from Ferme des Cascades

On the farm, the right season really starts in spring for growing fruit and vegetables . Beets, zucchini, tomatoes, salads, peppers, eggplants, onions… in abundance are harvested every day and offered for direct sale to customers concerned about a healthy diet without pesticides. Edible fruits, vegetables and wild plants are also processed into a wide range of syrups, herbal teas, jams, jellies and drinks . They complement the sale of cheeses, meat and cooked dishes from the farm.

For over 40 years, the essence of the farm has been to be in perfect harmony with nature. Whether it is the way of living, of working, of raising animals or of cultivating the land, Jean-Michel and his team try every day to be the most ecological and the most benevolent possible. It is this beneficent and warm spirit that they share through walks , pickings , organized tapas evenings , demonstrations and thrilling evenings in the high mountains .

Théo and Lucas on the Argelès-Gazost market

The panoramic room where tapas evenings and tasting evenings are held

Practical info:

The Farm store is open every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Take advantage of the doors open every day from 3 p.m. with the goat milking by hand around 4:30 p.m.

Find the Ferme des Cascades in the markets

• Luz-Saint-Sauveur : Monday and Friday evening (farmers market)
• Argelès-Gazost : Tuesday (at the foot of the church)
• Barèges : Wednesday
• Pierrefitte : Saturday (in front of the tourist office)

To take part in the discovery trail of Edible Wild Plants along the banks of the Bernazaou, meet every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Evenings at the shepherd's hut are held on Thursday and Saturday evenings - Departure 4 p.m., return the next day at convenience (8 people maximum), Reservation required

On Wednesday and Saturday evenings, “Au chant du Bouc” evenings are held from 8 pm / On the program: evening over a wood fire, skewers of meat from the Farm, plancha of vegetables from the garden, tapas of wild plants, cheeses ... You can bring your musical instrument! Reservation before 6.30 p.m.

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Photos and Article prepared by Lesley Williamson for the Guide de Toulouse Pyrénées

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