2,000 Attend Illegal Rave in Claret Despite Hérault Ban as Free-Party Groups Protest New Ripost Law

An illegal rave party gathered some 2,000 people on open land in Claret, 30 kilometres north of Montpellier, on Saturday, June 6, 2026, despite a regional ban in the department of Hérault. Police flew by helicopter over the site and provided the crowd estimate.

The local prefecture said officers were deployed to close access, prevent additional vehicles from arriving, and stop and check all vehicles leaving.

Authorities in Hérault have enacted a local law that bans all types of rave parties through the end of 2026. The measure is one of several regional restrictions adopted ahead of national legislation. The French government is advancing a bill known as the Ripost Law that would increase police powers, strengthen penalties for common offenses, and target activities deemed disruptive to public order.

The legislation, now before parliament, includes specific provisions aimed at illegal raves. Under the bill, organizers would face fines of €30,000 and up to two years in prison, while participants would be subject to fines of €7,500. The government hopes to secure adoption of the measure within months.

Associations defending free parties are organizing demonstrations across France in opposition to the proposed penalties. Similar enforcement actions have taken place elsewhere, including checks by gendarmes on partygoers leaving a May 3, 2026, event at a military site in Cornusse near Bourges.