A sweet interview with Rikomiel
In Lagrave, you'll find Éric Viguier, originally from the Tarn, who has been a beekeeper since the age of 20. He recovered his grandfather's abandoned hives with his partner to produce Rikomiel honeys. "Riko" in Spanish means delicious: taste their honey, you won't disagree!
Much more than a history of the land
Installed on farmland in the Tarn, the Rikomiel beehives have recently been converted to organic farming. As true experts in honey bees, Éric and his partner have built a breeding operation that allows them to produce honey from March to September. They move their hives between the Tarn and the Gironde to produce pure, exceptional honey, such as Acacia, Heather and Chestnut honey.
Historically, we are in the region that made the most honey 20 years ago. Now, it is the north and north-east that are breaking all the production records. This is surely linked to climate change.
Working with the bees means being in contact with nature, seeing these little insects grow, the beehives develop, identifying the queen, all these moments make up the daily rhythm of life for these Tarn beekeepers.
Our production depends greatly on the vagaries of the weather. The production cycle for honey changes according to the season, we begin with a spring honey that is harvested in late April, when the blossom is out, then we move the beehives at night to the Vallée du Tarn to make chestnut honey. As far as feeding is concerned, we make swarms that we have to track. The treatments are organic and their composition changes, we make the sugar ourselves, for example.
Just one flower away…
With its nectar, its scent, its colour, its shape, the flower attracts foragers... It fills up with pollen which is its seed. Bees play a fundamental role in spreading the pollen to other plants. Pollen is the plant's reproductive system and is essential for the production of honey.
Why not enjoy it on site?
Although you can find their honey in various shops selling Tarn produce such as at the Verger de Foncoussières in Rabastens or at EsPolitAquo in Lisle-sur-Tarn, going to visit them gives you a completely different perspective. Visit the farm with your senses alert, ready to try the six varieties of organic honey: heather, chestnut, forest, wild flowers, summer and spring. On site, the couple also offers other honey-based products such as spreads, dried fruit, salted butter caramel, gingerbread, biscuits, and more, to satisfy your sweet tooth!
> Visit the farm
> Taste the different varieties of organic honey: heather, chestnut, forest, wild flowers, summer and spring.
> Discover honey-based products: spreads, dried fruit, salted butter caramel, gingerbread, biscuits, and more.
Interview with Eric and Valérie, beekeepers
Go further
Activity “Les abeilles en famille”
Lisle-sur-Tarn
Interview with Christophe, electric bike hire
Interview with Gwenaëlle and Lisa, Les Mirliflores
Interview with Sébastien, ceramicist
Interview with Séverin, winemaker
