Embark on a unique three-year journey into the world of plants with François Couplan, a globally respected ethnobotanist with over 50 years of experience. This comprehensive online program includes 30 modules and 120 lessons, combining in-depth theoretical knowledge with hands-on field experience. Designed for anyone with a passion for nature – whether beginner or experienced – it offers a rare opportunity to explore the deep, often forgotten connections between humans and the plant world. Along the way, you’ll gain practical skills and scientific insight, opening doors to new personal and professional horizons. Discover how working with plants can change not just your career – but your whole way of seeing the world.
For over half a century, world-renowned ethnobotanist François Couplan has dedicated his life to exploring the deep bond between humans and the plant world. Now, he invites you to step into a journey that will not only expand your knowledge, but also awaken your senses, shift your perspective – and reconnect you to the living world in profound and lasting ways.
“My passion for plants began in early childhood. From a young age, I developed a deep, intimate bond with them. At 24, I moved into the American wilderness, living entirely off wild plants. It was there I truly understood their profound importance – and felt compelled to share that knowledge with others.
For over 50 years, I’ve led workshops on wild plants, wild cooking, and ‘soft survival’ – proving it’s possible to live in harmony with nature. Thousands have participated, and even more have read the 125 books I’ve authored.
In 2008, I founded the Practical College of Ethnobotany, a comprehensive three-year program that hundreds of students completed. It was a deeply rewarding experience that achieved its goals.
Now in my mid-70s, I see a world changing faster than ever – and despite good intentions, heading in troubling directions. I believe we can do far better. While many promising ideas arise, they often lack something fundamental: a real, lived connection with the natural world around us. To progress wisely – and avoid repeating mistakes – we must deeply understand ourselves, both individually and collectively. This means reconnecting at the roots.
For me, that connection is with plants: simple to engage with, yet endlessly rich in meaning and possibility.
This is my mission: to empower anyone who wishes to cultivate their own meaningful relationship with plants – to better know themselves and understand the world we inhabit.
I also aim to teach you how to live more independently – as I have for decades – to build resilience and find true peace of mind. Feeling grounded and at home in the world is not a luxury; it is a foundation for well-being.
Time is of the essence. That’s why I’m scaling up my efforts to reach more people than ever before and make a real impact on our planet. This vision is bold, but I’m not alone: many former students and trainees are already stepping up to play vital roles.
That’s why I created this online training program. Its success – our success – depends on you.”
François Couplan
“It’s not just about nettle soup and plantain pesto: connecting with wild plants helps you understand the world on a deeper level – and find your true place in it. Foraging is a political act!”
This online course is a rare chance to transform your relationship with plants and master their many uses. It offers a fully holistic perspective – weaving together botany, gastronomy, medicine, anthropology, and ecology.
You won’t just memorize facts. You’ll gain the skills and insight to recognize edible species (and avoid toxic ones), understand how plants function, and see how our relationship with them has shaped human society.
This is far more than an in-depth study of the plant world – it’s a new way of seeing humanity, nature, and yourself. Prepare to be transformed.
Nowhere else in the world – not even in English-speaking countries, long seen as pioneers in the field – will you find a three-year program this comprehensive. It is a unique blend of deep plant knowledge and a profound exploration of the human-nature relationship, backed by over 50 years of hands-on experience.
This program is for anyone who loves plants and wants to understand the world we live in on a deeper level – a crucial step if you want to actively shape its future.
No prior experience? No problem. All you need is motivation, time, and commitment.
Although the curriculum is university-level, our tried-and-true teaching method makes it approachable for everyone. Our goal is simple: to equip you with expert-level knowledge in a way that feels completely doable – because it is.
What makes this training different?
Depth. Breadth. Real-world impact. This isn’t just another plant course – it’s a three-year journey that will give you a profound understanding of how humans and plants are connected, while immersing you in a wide range of fields: botany, gastronomy, chemistry, toxicology, medicine, anthropology, ecology and more.
But it is not just about memorizing facts. You’ll build real skills and the confidence to share accurate, reliable plant knowledge with others – and we’ll actively encourage you to do so.
Interest in wild plants has never been higher – for environmental, culinary, nutritional, and sensory reasons, but also because our fast-changing world demands we adapt and become agents of change.
This program provides the rigorous, credible training that plant foraging truly deserves, while helping you reconnect with nature and find your place in a world in transition.
Other courses might give you a taste of wild plants. Ours gives you the full picture – structured, holistic, and taught with integrity.
And with ethnobotanist François Couplan’s international reputation behind it, you know you’re learning from the best.
A proven method – with guaranteed results
Sure, you can learn about plants on your own. But it could take years, and you’ll likely end up with knowledge gaps and misconceptions that may hold you back.
Our method is different. We’ll help you learn faster, deeper, and with lasting confidence.
We don’t just teach you facts – we teach you how to learn. You’ll gain a method you can use to keep exploring plants independently while developing the accuracy and rigor true expertise requires.
You’ll be guided every step of the way, but you’ll also be encouraged to be proactive – a mindset that extends well beyond this program. Follow our approach, and we guarantee results.
Expect to dedicate about one hour per day, with a bit more time on weekends for fieldwork. But soon, you’ll find that learning happens everywhere – on your commute, in a park, visiting friends…
Plants will become part of your everyday life, and you will see the world differently.
Cost and value
Yes, the price tag is higher than some courses at first glance. But spread over three years and roughly 500 hours of lessons and exercises, it works out to about €12 an hour – and that’s without counting all the extra resources and opportunities we provide.
Real transformation requires investment – in quality, in time, in yourself. This program is built to deliver that return, both personally and professionally.
Theory meets practice
The training is structured into 30 modules and more than 120 lessons: videos, presentations, PDFs, quizzes, and interactive exercises. We combine solid theory with hands-on experience.
You’ll also join a private community of fellow students and get direct access to François Couplan during monthly live Q&A sessions.
And what really sets us apart? You’ll have the chance to join in-person field courses led by alumni of the Practical College of Ethnobotany across French-speaking Europe. These instructors aren’t just experts – they’re approachable guides ready to answer your questions, even those that go beyond plants and their uses.If you thrive on learning by doing, you’ll love these workshops.
What’s included in the course
Dive into more than 120 captivating videos – a total of nearly 300 hours – where François Couplan personally guides you step by step through every topic in the program. You’ll also gain exclusive insights from renowned guest experts on specialized subjects. Even better, you will enjoy unlimited access to rewatch any video or lesson at any time during the three years of the course – perfect for deepening your understanding at your own pace.
Complementing the videos, you’ll regularly receive 120 comprehensive PDF lessons designed for flexible self-study. That’s over 2,500 pages of carefully-structured content fully accessible online and downloadable for printing.
A rich variety of learning experiences
Step into nature with François Couplan through immersive video walks where he introduces you to a wide range of plants. Integrated questions along the way, will prompt you to test your knowledge on topics like botanical terminology and plant identification – transforming passive watching into active learning.
Download all course videos in audio format and listen wherever life takes you – stuck in traffic, on the subway, out on a hike, or winding down in bed at night. This feature lets you keep learning even when you can’t be in front of a screen. Turn commutes and waiting time into learning time, replay key explanations as often as you need to lock them in, and enjoy the freedom to learn anytime, anywhere – entirely on your own terms.
Strengthen your skills with thoughtfully designed exercises: fill-in-the-blank texts, multiple-choice questions (with or without hints), and open-ended challenges that deepen your understanding. Playful yet rigorous, these quizzes spark curiosity and ensure steady progress as your knowledge grows.
Master plant knowledge the smart way with nearly 2,500 beautifully designed flashcards. Study them on your phone, tablet, or computer – whenever and wherever you like. Turn them into interactive practice sessions that make learning both effective and enjoyable.
Nothing replaces direct experience. You will be guided through practical outdoor exercises that help you apply what you’ve learned and anchor your knowledge firmly in the real world.
Join a vibrant, private Discord community organized into themed channels. Accessible from your browser, computer, or smartphone, it is the perfect place to exchange ideas, ask questions, share photos, and get support from fellow students whenever you need it.
Take part in in-person workshops led by experienced alumni of the Practical College of Ethnobotany. Scattered across France, Switzerland, Belgium, and Luxembourg, these seasoned guides will introduce you to plants in their natural settings and answer your questions right in the field – likely close to home.
You’ll also have the opportunity to become a member of “Les Plantes Source de Vie”, our thriving association of plant lovers and course alumni. Meet like-minded people, join workshops, organize outings, and take part in a rich variety of member-led activities all year round.
Exclusive bonuses
These free bonuses are reserved for students enrolled in the full program.
In addition to the structured lessons in each module, you’ll gain access to an extensive video library featuring over 200 hours of François Couplan’s filmed teachings.
This unique collection includes rare archival footage from immersive field courses recorded over the years, plunging you straight into the atmosphere of wild plant foraging and hands-on learning. You’ll also find more recent videos from François’s travels across France, Switzerland and abroad – many filmed in Japan –, where he explores local flora, demonstrates traditional uses, and shares insights born from decades of experience.
These videos cover edible and medicinal plants, foraging techniques, and broader reflections on our relationship with nature, self-sufficiency, and the living world. They are a vibrant and inspiring complement to the program, fueling your curiosity and deepening your connection with plants.
Every month, you’ll be invited to a live video conference with François Couplan himself. Bring your questions, dive deeper into advanced topics, and receive personalized insights during these interactive gatherings.
These sessions are also a chance to connect with fellow students, share progress and discoveries, and build a true sense of community. A powerful way to stay motivated and keep advancing on your path toward plant mastery.
Over time, additional modules on related topics will be added to the online program – or offered as stand-alone courses – to further enrich your learning journey.
This training is comprehensive, reliable, and deeply engaging. You will be amazed at how far you have come once you dive in!
Choose your payment option today, and we’ll send you a professional training contract to sign after your payment is processed.
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The right price
Enrolling in the full program gives you the unique opportunity to work directly with François Couplan at a special discounted rate.
A cornerstone of this mentorship is the creation of plant profiles – detailed observation sheets where you record everything you see, sense, and learn while studying a plant. François personally reviews and corrects each profile, helping you sharpen your skills and accelerate your progress. This proven method, which blends close observation, description, and drawing, is one of the most powerful ways to truly master the plant world.
Other personalized assignments include writing book summaries and preparing discussions on selected topics – for which you will receive tailored feedback to help you progress faster and with confidence.
Finally, you will also be able to ask François any questions about the course content or related topics, and he will respond personally by email, phone, or video call. This personalized mentorship is also available even if you are not enrolled in the online program.
*Optional. You can begin personalized mentorship at any point during the training.
What our students are saying
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Satisfaction des apprenants
It might feel this way, but the world of human-plant relationships is is endlessly fascinating – and this training is just the beginning of a lifelong journey.
For perspective: in Japan, mastering sushi preparation takes 10 years, and becoming a tea ceremony master took Keiko 15 years. In the West, we’re often in too much of a hurry. So take your time – plants are worth it.
No. You keep lifetime access. The course is designed to be completed in 3 years, but you’re free to learn at your own pace and schedule.
Workshops are optional and not included in the online course. But you can join local or distant workshops offered by our facilitators – many of them former students themselves. We highly recommend attending at least one.
Plus, the course includes practical field exercises, and an active community space to share your discoveries.
Score at least 70% on all online quizzes – you can retake them as many times as you want.
Everything must be completed within 4 years, or you’ll have to start over.
Absolutely ! While examples focus on European flora, about 90% still apply to other places in the world – from North America to Australia.
And remember : this course covers goes far beyond botany – check the full program to see how deep it goes. Wherever you are, it will transform the way you look at the living world.
Yes. It will give you real-world skills for plant-related careers and teaching others.
That said, it is not yet officially recognized by governments and doesn’t grant a state diploma.
This is the life’s work of François Couplan – over 50 years of research and teaching. A world-renowned ethnobotanist and pioneer of wild edible plants and “soft survival,” he has trained more than 5,000 students across the US and Europe since 1975.
Unlike other courses, this one changes how you see the world. It blends solid science, hands-on experience, and cultural insight, with a mix of theory, observation, practice, and community.
You’ll:
As a certified training organization, we are legally required to have you sign it – and it allows us to remove VAT (sales tax) in France. (If you live outside France, local tax rules may apply.)
The contract is signed online and is mandatory.
You can, but the platform works best on a computer. Tablets and smartphones are supported, but for quizzes and comfort, a computer is strongly recommended.
Quizzes require a reasonably sized screen for comfort, so having a computer is strongly recommended.
We do not offer discounts on this program. Our commitment is to fairness: everyone pays the same fixed price, with no fluctuations or limited-time deals that could create inequality.
This price represents over 50 years of François Couplan’s unparalleled expertise and dedication, plus an incredibly rich curriculum – more than 120 lessons, 30 modules, countless videos, practical exercises, monthly live sessions, and much more.
Rather than spending energy on marketing gimmicks, we focus entirely on delivering top-quality content and personalized support. That’s why our price stays consistent year-round, so you can join whenever you’re ready – with full confidence and peace of mind.
Ready to deepen your knowledge and connect with the plant world like never before? Enroll now and start your journey with François Couplan’s expert guidance — no pressure, no surprises, just quality learning when it suits you.
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