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On the highways and byways

Ancient and modern means of transport coexisted in the Alps until the 1950s. Travel was organised according to the lie of the land, the load and type of product. People, ideas and goods covered considerable distances despite natural and political borders. These economic exchanges fostered the development of occupations such as muleteers, pedlars and anchovy merchants.

Mule trains

In the Alps, goods were carried by porters, sledge and beasts of burden. It was managed by guilds linking the communities living on the mountain slopes. "Marrons" (guides) accompanied travellers, while "coubles" or mule trains carried the goods. The mules were tied together in caravans, harnessed and equipped with pack saddles. In the fifteenth century, their utilitarian tack was decorated with pompons, ribbons and bells, whose tinkling urged the animals on. The ornate harness showed how powerful the convoy was and discouraged bandits. Amulets were tied on to the harness to ward off evil forces.