Francis Hallé, the man who drew trees

To honor Francis Hallé, a renowned botanist and passionate advocate for biodiversity who passed away in December 2025, the University of Montpellier is hosting an exhibition chronicling his key contributions to the natural world.

A professor of botany at theUM and a specialist in tropical rainforests, he has dedicated his life to the study and protection of primary forests. Committed to observing without causing damage, he spearheaded the creation of the “Radeau des cimes,” a revolutionary device for exploring the canopy, which he directed from 1986 to 2003.

This suspended laboratory welcomed researchers from around the world and helped reveal the immense biological richness of these ecosystems. A pioneer of “plant architecture,” Francis Hallé was also a talented artist. His sketchbooks are filled with precise and poetic drawings that reflect his unique perspective on the plant world.

This event is part of Ecological Transition Week