Arles Merino
Arles Merino, or Merinos d'Arles, is a French Merino breed from Provence and the Crau plain, long associated with transhumant movement between lowland winter grazing and Alpine summer pasture. It is a finewool sheep, generally white and hardy, with a history tied to both wool production and regional lamb systems. Compared with some intensive Merino lines, it is valued for mobility and adaptation to Mediterranean range as well as fleece.
The breed rewards management that respects seasonal movement, dryland forage, and wool quality. Producers may use Arles Merinos for fine or medium-fine fleece, lamb production, and participation in regional sheep traditions, including protected or locally recognized products where applicable. Shearing, foot care, and nutrition around migration or grazing transitions are central. Breeders should record line and flock origin, because Merino names can hide major differences in body type, fleece aim, and climate adaptation.
Colors: Badgerface, Black, Blackbelly, Broken, Brown, Gray, Grey, Gulmoget, Katmoget, Moorit, Piebald, Red, Roan, Silver, Solid, Spotted, Tan, White, White with Black Points, White with Brown Points
