35th Science Festival: “Saveurs savantes” Comes to the University of Montpellier

[Press Release] - Published on July 22, 2026 in Press Room, Science and Society

From October 2 to 12, the Hérault will come alive with the Fête de la Science, a national event dedicated to discovering and sharing scientific knowledge. Throughout the department, the public is invited to participate in free activities open to everyone, centered on the theme “flavors of science.”

For the eleventh consecutive year, the University of Montpellier is coordinating the Fête de la Science in the Hérault region, alongside numerous partners committed to making science accessible to as many people as possible.  This year’s event offers a deep dive into the fascinating world of science and gastronomy! Workshops, demonstrations, shows, games, and exhibits will help both children and adults discover that eating isn’t just a pleasure—it’s also a scientific, sensory, and cultural adventure.  Under the theme “SAVEURS SAVANTES,” visitors will have the opportunity to explore taste, sensations, perception, and the health and environmental issues related to food. It’s an invitation to awaken your curiosity and tantalize your taste buds!

See you at the Montpellier Science Village

A highlight of this^35th edition, the Montpellier Science Village will welcome the public on October 3 and 4, 2026, at the University of Montpellier’s School of Education. Throughout the weekend, researchers, students, and science educators will offer a wide variety of free activities open to everyone: interactive workshops, experiments, meet-and-greets, lectures, exhibitions, and performances. Designed to spark curiosity and foster dialogue, this rich and welcoming program will offer everyone—regardless of age or level of knowledge—the opportunity to discover science in a fun, participatory, and inspiring way.

To make the Science Village a true hub for sharing and socializing, a food truck and musical performances will also liven up the weekend, inviting visitors to extend their experience in a warm and festive atmosphere.

A wide variety of events throughout the Hérault region

Science Festival will also take place across the country with numerous events:

• The Planète vivante Festival, taking place in Saint-Gély-du-Fesc from October 8 to 11, will highlight environmental sciences through lectures, film screenings, and performances focused on major ecological challenges.
• The MJC centers in the region, notably the MJC Boby-Lapointe in Jacou and the MJC in Castelnau-le-Lez, will offer workshops and activities exploring the connections between food, science, and the ecological transition.
• The Agropol’Eat festival, held at the Tiers-lieu de Lavalette—Grand Parc de Lunaret—will invite the public to explore grains and legumes through tastings, demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and discussions on agrobiodiversity, nutrition, and agricultural transitions.
• Throughout the event, the network of media libraries and organizations promoting scientific culture in the Montpellier Metropolitan Area will offer workshops, screenings, meetings, and discussions with scientists to explore, understand, and share knowledge.