Festival of the Bee

Sunday, September 13, 2026 · 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM

A one-day event held within the grounds of the prieuré de Sainte-Gauburge. Only the three lectures have set times; other activities run continuously.

Lectures

• 11:30 AM — Denis Jaffré, inventor of the Jabeprode trap: "The Asian hornet: understanding and fighting it collectively, selectively, and ecologically to protect bees." A selective trap designed in 2016 after the loss of dozens of hives, awarded at the Concours Lépine in 2018 and 2021, and now distributed in France and over 17 European countries.
• 2:00 PM — Raymond Daman, head of the black bee conservatory: "Protecting our black bee."
• 4:00 PM — Denis Bettend, beekeeper from Crulai: "How to fight the Asian hornet and protect our bees?" The first French beekeeper to be Demeter certified in 2015, he will present his trapping trials conducted with INRA.

Performance

• "The Bee Safari" — Compagnie Acta Fabula. A roaming search for the queen bee, combining scientific-burlesque lecture, visual poetry, and participatory clownish improvisation. Theater, mime, and songs. Performance times are not fixed.

Beekeeping · Continuous

• Live honey extraction — all stages of the harvest, from uncapping frames to potting, with commentary by beekeepers.
• Hive inspections with beekeepers from the CETA de l'Orne — observe the colony and the inside of a hive. Sign up on the day of the festival at the CETA de l'Orne village (priory courtyard).
• Culinary demonstrations — Les Ruchers du Perche. Tips and tricks from a beekeeper-chef, followed by a tasting of gingerbread and honey caramels.

Nature and Environment · Continuous

• Walks focused on nectar-bearing plants with Anne Vandenberghe from Bourrache et Coquelicot — identification, foraging, and uses of these plants in cooking and daily life.
• Making natural garden products with Laurine Simon — plant-based fertilizers, macerations, and decoctions.
• Laundry and cosmetics workshop with So'Cosméthik.
• Stand and workshops by the Ligue pour la protection des oiseaux de l'Orne — learn about the association's work and activities regarding birds of the Perche region, all day long.

For Children

• Bee's wrap making with Simples et Merveilles — reusable beeswax-coated fabric for wrapping fruit and sandwiches.
• Making honey caramel and beeswax candles, supervised by facilitators and beekeepers.
• Bee-themed workshops by Écomusée staff, including hive-box races (a sporty game inspired by beekeeping tasks) and small craft projects.

Market and Sales

• Honey, mead, vinegar, jams, and beekeeping equipment — Les Ruchers de la Charentonne, la miellerie d'Écouves, le Rucher du Beau Verger, and Johann Rigolet.
• Perche Artisans — basketry with Mauricette Travers and Régis Caillon, wrought iron decor with David Houvet, and a nursery, Les Racines du Perche.

Dining

• Le Grain de Paulette — food truck, organic, locally-sourced artisanal cuisine.
• Latufa — fresh, seasonal island-inspired cuisine and honey-based pastries.
• Refreshment bar on-site.