Overview

• The Drôme prefecture banned all rave parties from June 3 to September 1 under a May 26 order aimed at protecting public safety and natural sites.
• Nearly 100 gendarmes, including reinforcements from Crest, Lyon and Valence along with a canine unit and helicopter, have been deployed to enforce the ban.
• Two gendarmerie vehicles were pelted with stones during attempts to prevent access to the rave overnight Friday.
• Authorities have issued dozens of fines for offenses ranging from lack of insurance to driving under the influence.
• Local residents and officials warn that the 1,200 ravers risk causing lasting damage to the ZNIEFF-designated plateau des Terres Blanches.