Around 40,000 people gathered for an unauthorised festival on a former military training ground, despite warnings from authorities about the potential presence of unexploded ordnance.

The event, which began on May 1, was held at a site local officials consider hazardous due to the risk of undetonated munitions. During the festival, at least one shell was discovered, prompting intervention from a bomb disposal unit.

By May 3, approximately 17,000 attendees remained at the location, with a significant security operation in place. Around 600 police officers were deployed to monitor the situation, while train services in the surrounding area were slowed as a precaution.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez is expected to visit the site, carrying out an aerial inspection by helicopter and meeting with police, firefighters and local officials.

According to organisers from the Tekno Anti Rep collective, the location was deliberately chosen near the minister’s hometown as a form of protest against what they describe as restrictive government policies toward free-party events.

Authorities have not authorised the gathering, and concerns remain over both safety risks and the continued presence of large crowds at the site.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions in France between underground festival movements and public safety regulations, particularly when events take place in locations considered dangerous.