A story of tradition and passion
At the foot of the Massif de l'Estérel, the GAEC Apicole de l'Estérel embodies the passion for beekeeping, rooted in the Provençal land. This family estate managed by Sophie Masurier, her daughter Perrine and her son-in-law Jesus, raises 450 hives in a preserved environment, far from urban and industrial centers. Each jar of honey is the fruit of artisanal know-how and meticulous attention paid to bees and Mediterranean flora, creating unique flavors. Throughout the year, the hives travel the landscapes of the south of France, from the Ardèche to the Alpine mountains, in search of the flowers of Provence to offer a range of exceptional honeys. Their artisanal products – honeys, pollen, and even gingerbread – are a tribute to the biodiversity of Fréjus.
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The fundamental role of the bee in biodiversity and agriculture
Bees and flowers form an essential duo for life on Earth. By ensuring pollination, bees enable the reproduction of 80% of flowering plants, which guarantees plant diversity and supports the balance of many ecosystems. In agriculture, they play a central role: good pollination improves the quality of fruits and vegetables, their taste, their appearance, and contributes to more abundant harvests. The decline of bees threatens this delicate balance. Without them, entire crops – from fruits such as strawberries and melons to rapeseed and sunflower seeds – would be directly impacted, with major economic and ecological consequences. At the European Union level, pollination provided by bees is estimated at €14,5 billion each year, a value that reflects their importance for our food.
Protecting bees means acting for the planet and for all of us.
The Fréjus Tourist Office invites everyone to raise awareness of the importance of bees in our lives and to protect these little sentinels of biodiversity. Faced with the challenges of their survival, everyone can support bees, including in urban areas. Here are some simple but effective actions:
-Plant honey-producing flowers such as lavender, thyme, or rosemary on your balconies, terraces, or in your gardens. These plants provide nectar and pollen, essential for bees.
-Install shelters: “insect hotels” are valuable refuges where they can protect themselves.
-Avoid pesticides in outdoor spaces, as they are one of the leading causes of bee mortality.
-Participate in urban beehive projects: many cities support the installation of beehives on the roofs of buildings or in shared gardens, thus helping to preserve biodiversity in the city.