Our history

Where the Biotope adventure begins

More than thirty years ago, somewhere among the sunken paths, wetlands, and silent forests, four nature-loving friends often found themselves discussing the same idea:
What if we turned learning about nature into a real career?

In 1992, this somewhat crazy idea turned into an adventure. At a time when biodiversity was still rarely discussed, and ecology was far from being at the heart of decision-making, they were already looking ahead. They sensed that nature would become one of the major challenges facing our modern societies.

This bold venture gave rise to Biotope.

Growing with Living Things

The early years were spent in the field, recording species in the rain, spending nights listening in the marshes, and exploring territories that were still largely unknown. Little by little, Biotope became a leading authority on understanding, analyzing, and protecting natural habitats.

The teams are growing: ecologists, ornithologists, botanists, landscape architects, life sciences experts… All united by a common goal: to highlight the fragile balances of the natural world.
Biotope has thus become a key player in major initiatives such as the rollout of the Natura 2000 network in France

When a passion becomes a book

Very soon, a desire took hold: to share this knowledge. To provide naturalists—both amateur and professional—with reliable tools for exploring the natural world.

This passion gave rise to the Biotope publishing house. The first field guides were an instant success.
The collections—including the famous series covering France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Switzerland—became essential references in the libraries of naturalists, wildlife managers, and enthusiasts of flora and fauna.

Each book bears the hallmark of the publisher:
exclusive photos taken in the field, impeccable scientific rigor, and a unique sensitivity for portraying wildlife with respect and precision.

The Biotope Club: a place to get together

Then a new idea was born: to create a space where all nature lovers could come together, get equipped, learn, and share their knowledge.
That’s how Le Club Biotope, the naturalist’s shop, came to be.

A fully stocked bookstore, professional field equipment, educational materials, nature games…
The Club is quickly becoming a hub for anyone who wants to explore, observe, and understand biodiversity

Today, the same passion as on the very first day

Years have passed, but the spirit of our early days remains intact.
Biotope continues to innovate, develop new technologies for ecological research, publish reference works, and support those who work to protect biodiversity every day.