Honey from the châteaux of the Loire Valley An exceptional gourmet treasure

Discover the exceptional honey from the châteaux of the Loire, a gourmet treasure produced in the heart of the royal estates by passionate beekeepers. Let yourself be seduced by these unique flavours, born of the floral wealth of the historic gardens and sublimated in the region’s gourmet restaurants.

A honey born in the heart of the châteaux

Beekeepers are passionate about foraging in the majestic gardens of royal residences. In the flower beds of Château d’Artigny, the hives buzz to the rhythm of the seasons, while the estate’s forest provides a natural refuge for these precious workers.

Michaël Preteseille, a passionate beekeeper, watches over his colonies with care. His beehives, set in some of Touraine’s most beautiful heritage sites, produce nectars with unique flavours that top chefs sublimate in their creations at Evidence, Les Arpents or even Le P’tit Mich’.

Enjoy these golden sweets during a gourmet break at Baccara, Opidom or Auberge du Bon Laboureur

La Bonne Étape : le rucher de la Dame Blanche

For an even more original experience, let yourself be tempted by a honey massage at Loire Valley Lodges, where the restorative virtues of this natural treasure work just a few steps away from the beehives

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The passionate producers of Touraine

Also visit aux Délices de l’Abeille in Azay-sur-Cher, a family of beekeepers for three generations who make honeys with authentic flavours. On their website, find all the diversity of Touraine honeys, from delicate spring honey to the intense notes of forest honey.

The unique terroir of the châteaux

Among the flowers that line the paths of French gardens, bees carefully select the best species. This exceptional botanical wealth gives rise to nectars with incomparable flavours. The lavender beds of the Villandry estate, the roseraies of Le Rivau and the centenary linden trees of Amboise offer a privileged foraging ground.

As the seasons go by, each harvest reveals the subtle fragrances of this living heritage. Delicate notes of acacia mingle with the more intense aromas of chestnut, creating a unique palette of flavours. This aromatic signature bears witness to the perfect alliance between the unspoilt nature of the royal estates and the expertise of Touraine’s beekeepers.

In a nutshell on honey from the châteaux of the Loire

A royal honey with unique flavours

Bees pollinate the historic gardens, creating a nectar with exceptional aromas

Preserving traditional skills

<Beekeepers harvest this treasure using traditional, natural methods.

An immersion in the heart of beekeeping

<Take part in workshops to discover the secrets of royal honey.

Excellent craftsmanship

The skills of Touraine beekeepers are passed down from generation to generation, with all the delicacy required to harvest this exceptional nectar. Harvesting is carried out by hand, using a traditional centrifuge that preserves all the qualities of the honey.

Each stage follows a natural rhythm that respects the colonies. The frames are gently uncapped, then the honey flows gently before being put into jars. This handcrafted method guarantees a pure honey, with preserved aromas, that tells the story of Touraine’s royal gardens.

©Spa nordique du Domaine des Thomeaux|One Seb Photos

Where can you taste this exceptional honey?

At l’Evidence, in the historic centre of Tours, the chef sublimates the honey from the châteaux in his sweet and savoury creations. Book a table at château d’Artigny, where the estate’s beehives supply a delicate nectar that you’ll find at breakfast as well as in the refined desserts of the gourmet restaurant.

Le Tatoué Toqué reinvents the codes by offering artisanal burgers where local honey adds a touch of originality. For a complete wellness experience, the domaine des Thomeaux welcomes you for massages with the soothing virtues of honey, followed by a gourmet break facing the gardens.