The presentation is a synthesis of what we know about Neolithic pastoral sites in the Alps and, more generally, from the Swiss Plateau to the Mediterranean. The focus will be on the use of plants and on what bioarchaeological analysis can contribute to a better understanding of early agropastoral systems in the Alps. Two case studies, La Grande Rivoire and Pertus II, which are the subject of multi-parameter research, will be presented. They show the care and feeding of flocks and the place of pastoral activities in the life of these pioneer farmers in the Alps.