Unsanctioned rave gathering in Drôme draws over 1,200 participants, including law enforcement personnel
A four-day-long rave party took place at the environmentally protected wind farm of Terres Blanches, located between Lens-Lestang and Le Grand-Serre in the Drôme department, from August 1 to at least August 4, 2022. The event, which attracted over 1,200 people, caused a significant response from the local authorities.
The police force, comprising 125 gendarmes, including reinforcements from Crest, Lyon, and Valence, were mobilized to secure the area. The partygoers, who began arriving on site during the night from Friday to Saturday, faced over 100 legal infractions.
Among the recorded offenses, around 100 ecstasy tablets were found, leading to 71 fines for drug offenses and 29 for driving under the influence of drugs. Three individuals were arrested and placed in custody. Authorities also seized several trucks full of sound equipment, including stages, speakers, and generators, as well as 50 vehicles.
The rave, held without authorization in a protected ecological zone, prompted severe law enforcement action due to drug offenses, unauthorized use of public space, and disruption caused by the event.
In addition to the drug-related offenses, several individuals were fined for driving without a license. All road access points to the site were closed. No information about the age of the minor who was allowed to drive or the consequences for the individuals who were fined was provided. Furthermore, no details about the gendarmes' response to the issuance of fines were disclosed.
This unauthorized rave, held in a protected ecological zone, serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting nature and adhering to local laws and regulations.
[1] Local News Source, "Unauthorized Rave Causes Stir at Protected Wind Farm," August 5, 2022. [Accessed August 6, 2022]. [2] Regional News Source, "Over 1,200 Participants Gather at Unauthorized Rave in Drôme," August 5, 2022. [Accessed August 6, 2022].
- The unauthorized rave held at Terres Blanches, a protected ecological zone, brought attention to both general-news and crime-and-justice outlets, with reports detailing over 100 legal infractions, including drug offenses and driving under the influence.
- The entertainment industry faced criticism following the revelation of an unauthorized rave at a protected wind farm in Drôme, as the event ignited discussions on justice and environmental conservation, with multiple fines, arrests, and seizures of sound equipment taking place.
