Close-up of a honeycomb with wooden frame with lots of bees on it,bees producing fresh tasty honey,horizontal

THE ROUTES DES SAVEURS:

EXPLORING THE TREASURES OF THE HIVE

By exploring the Alpes-Maritimes through its honeys, you’ll discover a world of flavours capturing the very essence of this region. From snow-capped peaks to luxuriant valleys, each jar of honey tells the story of a terroir and passion, as bees work fervently amid a multicoloured, floral mosaic.

THE CÔTE D’AZUR, LAND OF BEES

Honey: The magicians of the hive

Not far from the shores of the Mediterranean, the villages of the Moyen Pays and hinterland offer up a haven of peace, freshness and tranquillity for little foragers.

Nestled in verdant settings or clinging to cliffs like eagles’ nests, these Alpes-Maritimes villages are home to an often little-known treasure: honey. Bees thrive in this unique alpine ecosystem, producing honeys of exceptional flavour.

On the Routes des Saveurs (Flavour Routes), a real taste adventure begins in the heart of these mountains, as honey emerges from the harmonious symbiosis of flowers and bees.

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Une publication partagée par Pays de Grasse Tourisme (@paysdegrassetourisme)

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Une publication partagée par L’Abeille Savonneuse (@labeillesavonneuse)

HONEY, FRUIT OF THE UNION BETWEEN FLOWERS AND BEES

Bees, those tireless workers, deserve truly boundless admiration for their crucial role in our ecosystem. Crossing the fields and meadows in search of precious nectar, they land on a flower to perform a delicate dance, transferring the pollen from one flower to another and facilitating the pollination process, crucial for plant reproduction.

As a reward for this floral ballet, bees collect a sugary nectar from the flowers, store it in their stomachs and bring it back to the hive. Inside, the bees’ special enzymes transform this nectar into honey, a magical process of fermentation that results in this precious golden liquid.

As a result, honey becomes the fruit of a scared union between flowers and bees, symbolising a natural alchemy of infinite beauty.

THE BEEKEEPERS OF THE CÔTE D’AZUR: GUARDIANS OF KNOW-HOW

It is within this preserved heritage that you will meet local beekeepers, revealing a world of devotion and know-how.

From Caille to Tendre, via Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, Gréolières, Clans or Pierlas, these keepers work in harmony with nature, practising environmentally friendly beekeeping.

All these exceptional beekeepers respect and protect the bees, striving every day to contribute to their survival and well-being.

Their traditional methods and their love for the bees are therefore reflected in the exceptional quality of the honey produced, which visitors will be able to try by visiting these hives and beekeeping farms.

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Une publication partagée par L’Abeille Savonneuse (@labeillesavonneuse)

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Une publication partagée par L’Abeille Savonneuse (@labeillesavonneuse)

SAVOUR LOCAL TREASURES

From lavender honeys with their delicate floral nuances to rich and complex mountain honeys, or even the robust and full-bodied chestnut honey, each harvest is a unique expression of the local land.

Passionate beekeepers therefore strive to preserve the purity of flavours, offering fans a rich and varied palette.

Whether you prefer creamy or more runny honey, a visit to these beekeeping farms along the Routes des Saveurs will offer up an unforgettable sensory experience.

Supporting local beekeepers by purchasing local honey also represents an essential contribution to the preservation of an ancient, precious tradition.

RECOGNITION AT THE PARIS GENERAL AGRICULTURAL COMPETITION

Jean-Louis Lautard is a committed beekeeper and fervent defender of bees and the beekeeping cause. Every year, he produces his honeys like real vintages. Established in Tignet, he works with over 800 colonies and ensures the entire honey-production process, from rearing queens to packaging the end product, ensuring faultless traceability.

Taking home awards every year, this beekeeper has now received more than 30 medals at the Paris General Agricultural Competition. In 2023, his passion for beekeeping and devotion to quality were recognised with the awarding of a bronze medal for his remarkable mountain honey, enchanting expert palettes with its rich and complex nuances.

Alongside this distinction, the beekeeper has also brought home a silver medal for his dark amber polyfloral honey. These medals reflect not only the exceptional quality of Jean-Louis Lautard’s products, but also his tireless commitment to excellence.