Come and see Les Tourades for yourself!

The restored buildings of our field study centre, Les Tourades, is situated just to the east of Pont de Crau, near the town of Arles. In the heart of the Vallée des Baux, standing in grounds of about 1 hectare, the permanent team of Les Tourades look forward to welcoming many members of the French association as well as visitors from abroad. The official base and administrative and scientific research offices are located within the property, and one of the two houses is home to the wardens of the centre, Jean-Pierre & Martine Charlemagne.

Hospitality

The centre is capable of welcoming a small number of researchers, students or people on holiday. Volunteers or visitors wanting to take part in the ongoing research, deepen their knowledge of the regional habitats, contribute to the running of Les Tourades, work at Ilon or who simply want to learn more about the region and our activities here are also warmly welcomed. Two dormitories and three bedrooms are available for visitors’ accommodation.

The volunteers doing hard work!

Volunteers on their own or in groups are of many different ages, nationalities and beliefs, but all are welcome to contribute their various skills, interests and abilities.

Conversion of the grounds into an eco-lab

On the property, a plan for the eco-friendly transformation and management of the grounds is in the process of being put into place. We have identified

a "Nature" area (managing micro-habitats to encourage biodiversity, creating a pond and building a hide)
a human activities area (organic kitchen garden, swimming pool, garden for recreation and reflection, or activites such as reading or artwork)