Nearly 2.000 participants gathered at an illegal free party near Montpellier

Despite the prefectural ban in effect in the Hérault department, a large free party took place on the night of Friday, June 5th to Saturday, June 6th on a plot of land located in Claret, about thirty kilometers north of Montpellier. According to prefectural estimates, nearly 2.000 people and approximately 600 vehicles were present on the site Saturday morning.

The event began around 3 a.m. Participants took over the site despite the activation of the "blue rave plan" by the prefect of Hérault, Chantal Mauchet. This exceptional measure aims to rapidly mobilize law enforcement when an illegal rave party is suspected within the department.

Law enforcement was mobilized to contain the event.

Given the size of the gathering, the authorities immediately deployed significant surveillance resources. A reconnaissance flight by helicopter allowed them to assess the number of participants, while the gendarmerie set up a system to prevent the arrival of more vehicles.

In a statement, the prefecture indicated that law enforcement was tasked with closing access to the site and conducting systematic checks of vehicles leaving the area. Authorities particularly aim to prevent risks related to drug use, dangerous driving, and potential public disturbances.

A national mobilization against the Ripost bill

This free party comes amid strong mobilization by groups defending the culture of alternative festive gatherings. The previous weekend, several hundred people had already demonstrated in Montpellier and Marseille to denounce the Ripost bill currently being examined by Parliament.

This bill, already passed by the Senate, provides for a significant increase in penalties for organizers of undeclared rave parties. Organizers could face up to two years in prison and a €30.000 fine. Participants could also be penalized with up to six months in prison and a €7.500 fine.

A power struggle continues between authorities and organizers.

Another measure contested by free party advocates is the lowering of the mandatory registration threshold from 500 to 250 participants. Authorities argue that this reform aims to better regulate gatherings that could pose health and safety risks. Organizers, however, denounce it as an attack on the free party culture.

Other "manifestives," a mix of demonstration and protest party, are planned this weekend in several French cities, including Rennes, Lille, and Gap. In the Hérault department, authorities remain vigilant in monitoring the Claret gathering, while the prefectural decree banning rave parties throughout the department remains in effect until the end of 2026.