Of Land and Water: A Day of Encounters Between Science, Stories, and Territories
The University of Montpellier invites you to attend “De Terre et d’Eau,” a day of discussions dedicated to our relationship with the natural elements in the Grands Causses, organized by the Millau and Grands Causses Museum (MUMIG) in partnership with anthropologist Nastassja Martin, holder of the CNRS Junior Professorship in Earth Habitability and Just Transitions (ISJPS – University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne). Geologist Philippe Vernant and hydrogeologist Cédric Champollion will share their research and scientific perspectives on the interactions between land, water, and society, at the heart of today’s environmental challenges. This event will also feature anthropologist Nastassja Martin, sociologist Christelle Gramaglia (INRAE / University of Montpellier), storyteller Malika Verlaguet, and Katia Fersing, director of the Millau and Grands Causses Museum.
This event kicks off a series of meetings titled “At the Edge of Worlds,” focusing on contemporary issues of habitability. On this occasion, two researchers from the Géosciences Montpellier laboratory (University of Montpellier / CNRS) will participate in the discussions to shed light on the environmental dynamics of the region from a geoscientific perspective.
A study day featuring diverse perspectives
Saturday, April 11, 2026, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. / 2 p.m. – 5 p.m., Maison de Ma Région – Millau
Residents, professionals, artists, scientists, and enthusiasts will be invited to share their experiences and stories about the Earth and Water in the Grands Causses.
The museum's collections will engage in a dialogue with:
- Oral heritage and regional imaginaries
- the participants' stories and experiences
- the work of visiting researchers
The morning will consist of presentations and plenary discussions, while the afternoon will feature interactive workshops designed to explore the many connections that bind us to these natural elements. Researchers from Géosciences Montpellier, who are part of the OREME Observatory, will provide scientific insights into the geological and hydrological processes that shape the landscapes and resources of the Grands Causses.
On Saturday, April 11, from 6:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., a press interview session will be held with the experts at the Millau and Grands Causses Museum (Place Foch, 12100 Millau). Journalists wishing to attend the study day or the evening event should contact the museum staff.
An event for the general public
Saturday, April 11, 2026, 8:30 p.m., Salle René Rieux – Millau
In the evening, speakers will have free rein to share, in an open and thoughtful manner, their personal connection to Earth and Water. Geosciences, anthropology, sociology, artifacts, and legendary tales will come together to explore a common question: why and how should we examine our relationship with the natural elements today?