Conservatoire départemental d’espèces fruitières et vignes anciennes

As part of its environmental policy, the Tarn Department created the Conservatory in 1986. At the heart of the departmental Sensitive Natural Area of ​​the "Vallon de l'Audoulou", the Conservatory implements actions to safeguard, identify, restore and promote cultivated and agricultural biodiversity. This biological wealth is collected on the territory of the former Midi Pyrénées region, thus contributing to the preservation of collective memory. It is part of a sustainable development approach. The 10 ha of plots installed at the foot of the fortified village of Puycelsi, are home to more than 700 old varieties of pome fruit trees (apple and pear trees), stone fruit trees (plum, cherry and peach trees) and more than 100 old grape varieties of vines. The management of these collection plots conducted extensively, uses reasoned techniques.

Every Wednesday and Friday (9am to 12pm) you can discover the site and the collection orchards with free 1-hour guided tours (departure at 10am). In September and October, the Conservatory will also be open on Saturdays from 9am to 12pm (guided tour at 10am).

At the Maison du Conservatoire, several areas will allow you to learn about old fruit trees and biodiversity. There is also a children's area.

Depending on the season and the harvest, the sale of fresh fruit and apple juice is possible.

The Department is waiting for many of you to discover or rediscover this exceptional site in the heart of the Vallon de l'Audoulou Sensitive Natural Area.

At the Conservatory, discover fruit biodiversity and old varieties.

Free guided tour at 10 p.m.