Nature Festival 2026: The University of Montpellier Opens Its Doors to the Public on May 22

[Press Release] - Published on May 7, 2026 in the Press Room

On Friday, May 22, 2026, as part of the 20th edition of the Fête de la Nature, the University of Montpellier will host a day of science activities for schoolchildren, followed by an evening event open to the general public focusing on biodiversity, climate, and the transmission of knowledge. Held at several of the university’s iconic locations—the School of Pharmacy, the Jardin des Plantes, and the Institute of Botany—this event will bring together researchers, faculty members, Professors, students, and staff for activities that blend science, heritage, and science outreach.

A Day to Raise Awareness About Biodiversity and the Life Sciences

To mark Nature Day 2026, the University of Montpellier is continuing its commitment to sharing knowledge and promoting scientific culture among all audiences. Recognized for the excellence of its research in ecology, health, and agronomy, the university is organizing this event as part of its efforts to raise awareness of major contemporary environmental issues. Throughout the day, third-cycle students will be welcomed at several university sites to participate in various workshops and immersive educational tours focused on biodiversity, medicinal plants, and Mediterranean ecosystems.

Among the highlights offered to school groups, the Montpellier School of Pharmacy will host, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the “From Plants to Medicines” workshops, designed for Cycle 3 students (CM1/CM2). At the Jardin des Plantes, an educational tour titled “Exploring Biodiversity and Understanding How Living Organisms Adapt to Their Environment, from the Past to the Present” will also be offered throughout the day.

This immersive experience will give students a hands-on understanding of the challenges related to biodiversity and the life sciences through experiments, observation, and hands-on activities involving direct contact with living organisms. Researchers, faculty members, Professors, and scientific partners will come together to highlight local initiatives promoting biodiversity and to foster dialogue between science and society.

A guided tour and a film screening followed by a discussion are on the program for the public event this evening

The evening of May 22 will be the highlight of the event for the general public, featuring two events held at the heart of Montpellier’s scientific heritage.

From 5:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., a guided tour of the Jardin des Plantes in Montpellier will give visitors the opportunity to explore the plant collections of France’s oldest botanical garden, as well as contemporary issues related to biodiversity conservation and how plants are adapting to climate change. The tour is free, but reservations are required, subject to availability.

The evening will continue at the Institute of Botany with a screening of the documentary *Mamody, the Last Baobab Digger* by Cyrille Cornu, followed by a discussion with the director—a biogeographer and researcher at CIRAD—as well as with Jean Albergel, a hydrologist and emeritus research director at IRD. Through the story of a baobab digger in Madagascar, the film explores the connections between traditional knowledge, natural resources, and adaptation to climate change. The discussion with the audience will focus in particular on issues related to water, climate, and the transmission of local ecological knowledge.