In the heart of the Sources de Cheverny estate, a slight buzz animates the gardens.
Our bees are coming out again - spring is here!
These precious workers, whose place in our ecosystem is crucial, play a key role in the philosophy of our establishment. We invite you to discover all the benefits of our residents.
Impact on our biodiversity :
As essential pollinators, bees play a key role in maintaining biodiversity. By pollinating flowers in search of nectar and pollen, they ensure the reproduction of plants and flowers, on which many plant and animal species depend. Thanks to their fascinating work, our gardens teem with life, offering a colorful spectacle to our visitors.
The installation of nine beehives on our estate demonstrates our commitment to the preservation of local biodiversity. These beehives are not just self-sufficient structures; they symbolize our willingness to take active steps to support the ecosystem around us.
By hosting these hives, we are helping to preserve bee populations, which are essential to the pollination of many plant species in our region. Bees play a vital role in preserving plant diversity and maintaining the ecological balance.
Honey from Les Sources de Cheverny:
Honey, the sweet treasure produced by the captivating work of bees, is the very embodiment of nature's generosity. Here, it takes on different shades and flavours throughout the seasons, reflecting the richness of our local flora.
In spring, the delicate flowers, dandelion and blackthorn give a honey that's clear and sweet, evoking the first sunny days of the season. Then, in May, under the shade of blossoming acacias, our honey takes on a brighter robe. Finally, in summer, a more intense, full-bodied honey plays with the palate of gourmands, capturing the sunny aromas of warmer days.
Chef Frédéric Calmels honors his dishes and desserts by creatively incorporating artisanal honey harvested from the estate's beehives, adding a unique and gourmet touch to his culinary creations.
Each jar of Les Sources de Cheverny honey is an invitation to travel, which you can take part in by finding our honey in our boutique or at our breakfast buffet.
Discover our beekeeping activity and get to the heart of our hives:
For those interested in discovering the mysteries of beekeeping, we offer an immersive experience guided by our passionate beekeeper, Rafaèle. In the enchanting setting of our estate, young and old are invited to dress up as beekeepers and plunge into the heart of our hives.
In this unique activity, Rafaèle reveals the secrets of bee life, from the birth of the swarm to the harvesting of the precious honey. Participants will have the privilege of familiarizing themselves with these wonderful creatures, understanding their vital role in the balance of nature.
In particular, you can learn a little more about the distinction made between each hive. The hives have been painted in distinctive colors - yellow, red, pink, blue and purple - to make it easier for their little tenants to find their home. After foraging to its heart's content, the bee doesn't randomly return to the first hive that comes along, but belongs precisely to a colony and therefore to a hive. And when a garden is home to several hives, as we are, it's important to distinguish them by color.
Finally, you can complete the experience with a tasting of honey from Les Sources de Cheverny.
Whether you're a nature lover, a gourmet in search of new flavors or simply curious to discover the fascinating world of bees, we invite you to come and share this unique adventure with us, in the heart of the Sources de Cheverny.