Alain Bertron – Building manager
Alain was a secondary school engineering teacher for thirty years, before recently joining the Courmettes team and taking charge of the maintenance of the buildings, vehicles and technical installations. A ROCHA has given him the opportunity to make a professional commitment to a collective work dedicated to preserving the environment and biodiversity. He is the father of two grown-up children.
Thierry Labelle – Site manager
After a varied career in technology, human resources and accounting at a vocational secondary school, Thierry took over as manager of Les Courmettes in September 2024. Caring about others and committed to environmental causes for many years, he wants to put his experience to work for a project that is particularly close to his heart. Thierry is married to Margot, the estate’s events manager.
Charlotte Léon – Nature department manager
After completing a Master’s degree in zoology in England, Charlotte joined the scientific team at Mas Mireille in September 2022 for 8 months of civic service. Keen to make a commitment to preserving nature and raising public awareness of current environmental issues, her work with A Rocha has enabled her to combine passion with conviction. Firstly, by working to protect various species in the Vallée des Baux during her voluntary service, and then by joining the Courmettes team to run the Nature centre.
Margot Melis – Event manager
After 30 years in accounting, Margot changed careers to live according to her values: faith, the environment and human relationships. She joined the Courmettes team with her husband Thierry for a joint project combining professional and spiritual aspirations. As an event manager, she helps future newlyweds make their day unforgettable, while promoting the beauty of creation and serving others with joy and kindness.
Claire Mouhot – Hospitality and garden
After a decade in teaching, Claire joined the Courmettes team in September 2019. She is married to Jean-François and they have three children. Grateful for the beauty of Creation, she enjoys sharing it with our visitors, making sure they feel welcome on site, but also through the educational garden project she is developing at Les Courmettes.
Jean-François Mouhot – Director
After more than ten years living abroad, and as many working in university research in environmental history, Jean-François settled with his family in Les Courmettes in 2014, which he ran until 2020. He now works on the association’s national development and is interim director of Les Courmettes until september 2024 when a new director will take over.
Nathalie Semprez – Housekeeping & Facilities Management
Nathalie worked for a long time in the maintenance and sanitary control sector in various communities, while also finding time to get involved in charitable projects. At Les Courmettes since the end of 2018, whether coordinating housework, decorating rooms or housekeeping, she takes pleasure in making the house welcoming for our visitors in an environmentally friendly way..
Sarah Walker – Project coordinator for A Rocha International
A Canadian national, Sarah has travelled extensively since becoming involved with A Rocha. She lived for several years at Les Courmettes with her husband Chris. They are now based in Menton, where Sarah coordinates various international projects for A Rocha International. Sarah and Chris remain very attached to Les Courmettes and return regularly to lend a hand!
Our volonteers
Flavie Rothlisberger
Flavie completed her bachelor’s degree in Geography and land use planning in May 2024. She then decided to do a year of civic service at Les Courmettes. She works mainly in the garden, eager to learn more about the land and the principles of permaculture. She also helps out in the science department.
Theresia Zwartbol
After obtaining her degree in Veterinary medicine in the Netherlands, Theresia wanted to take a gap year before continuing her studies. She chose to come and stay at Les Courmettes as a European volunteer for the Nature Centre until April 2026. It is the ideal place to learn more about nature, conservation and education, and to pursue other interests!
Anne Brugnon-Colbert
Anne has been delighting the Courmettes team’s taste buds for many years, whenever her busy schedule allows. She loves nothing more than seeing guests enjoy her delicious dishes and leaving nothing on their plates. Her creativity and generosity bring joy to the Courmettes kitchen!