Honey: a treasure with a thousand facets
Since ancient times, honey has fascinated humanity. A symbol of sweetness, purity, and natural richness, it was once called “heavenly dew” in Ancient Greece and considered a divine gift. Even today, it continues to amaze with its complex flavors and beneficial properties.
In Provence, honey takes on special notes: lavender, wildflower, savory, strawberry tree, thyme… Every jar tells a story — of a region, a landscape, and an ancestral craft. The diversity of Provençal honey reflects the richness of the region, between garrigue and maquis, spontaneous foraging and cultivated blooms.
An event to discover, learn, and savor
The Honey Festival is far more than just a market. It’s an immersion into the world of beekeeping, filled with free activities designed to spark curiosity, raise awareness about biodiversity, and pass on precious knowledge.
- Taste to understand better
Tasting workshops will teach visitors how to distinguish between the aromas, textures, and characteristics of different honeys. It’s also a great chance to learn about the IGP Provence Honey certification, a label that guarantees quality and traceability for consumers.
- See, smell, touch... experience beekeeping
Throughout the day, visitors can watch live honey extraction and jar filling, safely observe a live hive thanks to the Apimobile, and meet the attending beekeepers — true guardians of this living heritage.
- Learning through play
Children won’t be left out: games, pollen hunts, creative workshops (beeswax candles, hive painting), theater, and even a life-size role-playing game called “In the Shoes of a Beekeeper” will keep them entertained.
- When art meets nature
This year, the festival also embraces art and literature: the Arts & Books Forum gathers authors focused on beekeeping and nature, including a special appearance by Roger Bério. Meanwhile, the Espace de l’Art Concret will offer a guided tour of the exhibition “364 Seasons” by the artist duo Lamarche & Ovize.
- A treat for the taste buds
In the kitchen, honey takes the spotlight with a live cooking demo at 3 p.m. by Chef Jean Montagard, a renowned expert in vegetarian cuisine. Children can enjoy a complimentary snack: a slice of bread, butter, and honey, made with bread freshly baked in the village’s traditional oven.
Supporting Provençal beekeeping
The Honey Festival is also a way to support a committed local industry. In the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, over 3,600 beekeepers care for 163,000 hives, producing about 2,500 tons of honey each year. It’s a structured and dynamic sector, working toward ethical production, respectful of bees, consumers, and nature alike.
The beekeepers present in Mouans-Sartoux are proud ambassadors of this know-how, supported by organizations such as ADAPI, the Provence Honey Syndicate, and the Provence Miel Cooperative, all advocating for responsible and sustainable beekeeping.
Plan your visit!
To fully enjoy this moment of discovery and sharing, make sure to plan your trip ahead. Numerous campgrounds and accommodations await you around Mouans-Sartoux, in this part of Provence where nature reigns supreme.
Find all the practical info, a list of attending producers, and the full event schedule on the official website:
Where to stay?
To help you organize your camping trip in the Alpes-Maritimes and your visit to Mouans-Sartoux, check out the list of nearby campsites.
Whether you’re a foodie, a nature lover, or just curious, the Honey Festival is an enchanting escape to be enjoyed with family or friends.
See you on Sunday, April 27 in Mouans-Sartoux — the bees are waiting!