“An event like no other”: in Braud-et-Saint-Louis, the Nuit des carrelets is still a hit

With carrelets in the spotlight, timeless moments and large tables, the ^11th edition of the Nuit des carrelets is an event that has found its audience.

Where to find a bit of coolness on this scorching Friday, August 15th? One solution was to attend the ^11th edition of the Nuit des carrelets organized by the Communauté de communes de l'Estuaire (CCE). But despite these natural air conditioners, the immediate proximity of Europe's largest estuary and the foliage of the Terres d'Oiseaux ornithological site, which caused a drop in temperature of a few degrees, it was a heavy heat that greeted the many evening visitors who accepted the invitation made by Territoire Imaginaires and Estuaire Tourisme.

On the central site, large tables allow you to taste the dishes prepared by local merchants at the gourmet market. A meal that takes place to music, enlivened by the concert of the group Romano Dandies and its gypsy music. Jérôme Bertrand on double bass, Bubu Boirie on violin, Soslan Cavadore on accordion and Boris Vaché on guitar and vocals, the four musicians "do not spare any effort in this heat" for Micheline who savors her ice cream and "loves this festive music".

As night falls, on the edge of the estuary, a luminous path leads to various artistic performances. "A wetland, is it quah?": this is the title of the mini-conference proposed, in a fishing hut, by Jean-Michel Pinson. The narrator gives the scientific definition of a wetland . "A lot of words to say that it's a place where there is water, but all the time. Natural or human-made places that represent 3% of the territory." Bittern, planet, creation of the "Gog and Millau" guide, scientific remarks and others a little less so, the digressions amuse but get the message across. A performance appreciated by Françoise, Alizée who is sipping her pineapple, and Thierry. Coming from the Gard, they are "on vacation with friends in Pleine-Selve who encouraged us to discover this event like no other."

On the banks of the estuary, the scent of lemongrass is palpable. "We're trying to keep the mosquitoes away; there weren't any at the central site," observe Mila and Liam, a Dutch couple with colorful hair. They discovered the event "by chance" and are "very happy." Sprawled on deckchairs, spectators are watching the performance "Résonances" by the Envague company. A dancer contorts to the rhythm of slow music. "Our show seeks to convey the calm, power, and immensity that flow through us when facing the ocean," he explains.

Further on, the scenographic installation designed by Territoires imaginaires questions the atmosphere that reigns in the ocean depths, about which we know little. Do fish and crustaceans live carpe diem? To the rhythm of frenzied music, they "invite us to enter their universe and vibrate with them, in three dimensions, to the positive and joyful waves that, perhaps, will change the face of the world." The challenge is launched.