François Couplan
The reference in edible wild plants: François Couplan has been teaching the uses of plants since 1975 in the USA and Europe. A pioneer of wild gastronomy and gentle survival, with over 5000 satisfied students and trainees over almost half a century through his courses and school, he is at the root of the interest in wild cuisine among restaurateurs and the general public thanks to his work with Marc Veyrat. To date, he has published 125 books, with more on the way.
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Created and led by François Couplan – a globally respected ethnobotanist with over 50 years of experienceand founder of the Practical College of Ethnobotany (CPE). He has trained thousands of students and authored more than 125 books on plants and the natural world. For this truly unique program, he has brought together a dedicated team of experts to guide you on an inspiring and transformative journey into the world of wild plants.
To ignite a deep, lasting connection with the plant world – fostering personal autonomy, resilience, and profound ecological insight – and to empower you to pass this wisdom on to others, becoming a guide in the growing movement toward a more grounded, nature-connected life.
- 30 expertly crafted modules
- 120+ engaging lessons with videos, PDFs, quizzes & practical activities
- In-the-field training led by seasoned of the Practical College of Ethnobotany
- Rigorous, science-based knowledge – from botany and nutrition to chemistry, toxicology, ecology, and beyond
- Real-world, hands-on practice – learn to recognize and use wild plants directly in their natural habitats
- A strong community – connect via Discord, live sessions, and personal mentorship with François Couplan
- Passionate learners and curious minds – no prior experience needed
- Challenging yet accessible training designed for everyone
- University-level expertise delivered with clarity and depth
- Mastering the identification anduse of wild plants
- In-depth knowledge of the plant world
- Tools for becoming a plant professional or passing on this knowledge
- A holistic vision of the human-nature relationship, both personal and societal
- Launch your own plant-based initiatives with confidence and purpose
- Carve out a meaningful career in the rapidly growing field of applied ethnobotany
- Become a catalyst for environmental awareness and a renewed connection with the living world
- Nearly 500 hours of in-depth training – for just €12/hour: an extraordinary return on investment
- A unique blend of scientific rigor, time-tested pedagogy, real-world fieldwork, and the strength of the CPE network – all guided by a vision that inspires action and lasting change
This three-year journey with François Couplan brings together rare expertise, a time-tested method and a life-changing experience. It is designed to help you forge a deep, lasting connection with the plant world – and to ground your actions in purpose, resilience, and service to both your life and the living Earth.
François Couplan in the media
Explore a curated selection of interviews, articles, and features highlighting François Couplan’s groundbreaking work with wild plants.
