Immersion in the heart of the world of bees
An experience of Aurore, Jade and Kevin
Duration: 2 h 
Distance from Montpellier: 110 km by road, 1h20
Distance from Toulouse: 150 km by road, 2h05
Indoor and outdoor
Price: from 7 euros
Feature: immersive visit
Best season: spring/summer
Go on a discovery tour of the Pays de Roquefort and the Saint-Affricain region through an atypical day: put yourself into the shoes of a beekeeper and find out everything about the world of bees.
#1 Arrival at the "Arc-en-Miel" honey house
Starting from Saint-Affrique, we take a road nestled in the heart of the seven hills. On arrival, we discover a wooden building perfectly fitted into the landscape! After a warm welcome from our two beekeepers, Nadia and Bruno, we start to observe a hive and its bees in total activity. The pleasant fragrances of bee-wax pervade us. A glass window secures us, and there is no risk! We can explore the secret life of the bees and watch their harvest. The queen is present, can you see her?
Did you know that?
In 2016, the French National Beekeeping Union launched the APIcité label. This non-profit certification aims at enhancing the involvement of local authorities in the protection of bees and wild pollinators. The town of Saint-Affrique was awarded this seal of approval with this unique approach.
#2 The history of Arc-en-Miel
Our beekeeper couple left the Paris region ten years ago to start professional beekeeping with the « organic farming certification » and the « Nature & Progrès » approach. Today, as experienced and passionate beekeepers, they have expanded the activities of their honey house. They pamper their bee colonies and offer courses in beekeeping. From environmental issues related to the future of bees to the beekeeper trade, Nadia and Bruno share a unique experience with us!
Did you know that?
A single hive can be home to over 50,000 bees. Bees gather pollen on two to three million flowers to make a kilo of honey. Without them, growing a significant part of our fruits and vegetables would be impossible.
#3 Arc en miel – immersion in a hive!
It's time to put on our beekeeper's suit and take a souvenir shot! And here we go following Bruno to open a hive and understand how it works, and children LOVE this moment! It is, at last, the meeting with the bees! Those who don't have the chance to be with Bruno can also watch the bee activity. And yes, Bruno and Nadia think of everything! They have set up a glass window and a TV for live video broadcasting and close-up views.
#4 Arc en miel – A gourmet experience to enjoy: tasting!
Once she has discovered the workshop where Bruno carries out honey extraction, Jade cannot wait to join Nadia! The programme includes tasting about ten kinds of honey from their organic production. Nadia provides us with a medley of honey flavours, a magical moment begins! Such as oenologists, we watch, smell and taste honey to determine the aromas, even the most hidden ones. From sweet to woody notes, an authentic sensory journey is an awakening of the senses! Will you be able to identify the blossoming from these kinds of honey?
Did you know that?
Bruno and Nadia’s honeypots are sold at the honey house, the Epicerie Del Païs, the Biocoop shop and the Intermarché in Saint Affrique. They also post their honey throughout France and abroad.
New: visit an online shop on their website!
PRACTICAL INFORMATION / CONTACT
Arc-en-Miel
Adresse : Mas de Rouby haut
12400 St-Affrique
Telephone: +33(0) 6 29 78 03 00
Email: contact@larcenmiel.fr
Website: https://www.larcenmiel.fr/