Camel Farm in French Alps Defies Skeptics, Thrives on Innovation

Dromazere. This is the name of this rather atypical farm created by the Lozérien Denis Chazal, specialized in agriculture and photovoltaics, who has associated with the Favier brothers, Christian, Jean-Michel and Alain, residing in the Gard, and a merchant from Alès, Jean-Marc Bertrand. The project, started in 2019 following a trip to Morocco, has cost 700,000 euros to date. It was during this trip that the initiators discovered the dromedaries, "fascinating creatures that embody the majesty of the desert. The Moroccans taught us a lot and we like to take on original challenges," says Denis Chazal to La Montagne.

The 1,600 m² agricultural building that houses the farm was acquired the same year. "We bought the first animals in the South, from circus professionals. But it’s hard to find them. Then we bought a batch of 20 dromedaries from an association; they arrived in 2020 from the north of France," adds Chazal, specifying that at the beginning, no one believed in this project. "They took us for enlightened people." The Margeride Team takes care of the well-being of these mammals. They are given hay, grass, and food supplements, and they are vaccinated.

"The dromedaries have adapted very well to their environment. But between Morocco and Lozère, there is still a difference! In their country of origin, the thermometer can sometimes drop to -10°C. But during the day they store up heat. Whereas here, it’s cold day and night," explains Denis Chazal. Today, the farm covers 5 hectares. It is EcoCert certified for organic forage and feed and currently employs a part-time employee. From 27 animals initially, it now has two males and no less than 47 females as well as 15 calves.

"We plan to reach a hundred animals in a few years. Of course, we won’t keep all the young males, but many private individuals want to acquire dromedaries like others have a llama! They are friendly animals. Our goal is not just agricultural. Of course, we have developed a range of cosmetics based on the milk of the females on the farm. It is processed in a soap factory in Les Mages, in the Gard, next to Alès," continues Denis Chazal.

This summer, the farm opened its doors to the public. At the entrance, a Tuareg tent bought in Morocco has been installed, between sand and palm trees. A playground for children as well as an orientation table will soon be created. Visitors are entitled, before the guided tour, to watch a video on the genesis of this unique project. "We aspire to become a reference in terms of responsible breeding and raising awareness of biodiversity preservation," says Denis Chazal, who announces that dromedaries will be trained for riding, and that walks will be offered around the Naussac lake.