Cité des abeilles
Beekeeping museum in a one-hectare park in Génos, with twelve themed chalets on hives from around the world, the trade of beekeeping and honey.
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About the museum
La Cité des Abeilles is a beekeeping museum in Génos, in the Haute-Garonne department in the Pyrenees. It is run by the Morlière family, who have been beekeepers and honey producers since 1963 under the name Ruchers Sainte-Marie. The website of the honey business presents the museum as created in 2017; the founding date given by Wikidata (1986) differs.
The museum spreads across a one-hectare park. Twelve themed chalets present collections of hives from different countries, as well as objects linked to the history and trade of beekeeping. Each chalet covers one aspect of bee life, from the role of foragers to honey production. Panels along the route explain nectar-producing plants and their importance for bees.
Visitors can explore the site freely or on a guided tour. They can watch the beekeepers at work, especially during honey extraction and the making of hive products, and then taste local honeys in the shop. The site also welcomes groups, school classes and leisure centres with educational programmes on pollination and biodiversity.
Highlights
- Twelve themed chalets on hives from around the world and the trade of beekeeping
- One-hectare park with panels on nectar-producing plants
- Watch beekeepers during honey extraction
- Tasting of local honeys in the shop
- Picnic area and free motorhome aire nearby
Permanent exhibition
- Les chalets thématiques de la Cité des Abeilles – Twelve chalets present hives from different countries and objects linked to the history and trade of beekeeping, in a one-hectare park.
- Founded
- 1986
- Operated by
- Ruchers Sainte-Marie (famille Morlière)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €7 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €5Child rate for ages 4 to 14. |
| Groups (20+ people) | €5 per personPer person, from 20 people. |
Schools and out-of-school groups: €5 per child, accompanying adults free. Seminars by reservation only, from 45 people, price on request (admission, guided visits and meals possible).
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum states that its facilities are designed to welcome people with disabilities and offers adapted visits.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
The museum presents itself as an ideal family activity, with guided visits and workshops on honey extraction and jarring.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Gare de Montréjeau/Gourdan-Polignan
Train from Toulouse Matabiau to Montréjeau/Gourdan-Polignan station, then LiO Occitanie bus to Génos.
By car
A free motorhome aire is available near the museum.
By car from Toulouse: about 1 hour 30 minutes via the A64, exit 18 Saint-Gaudens, then D921, D8, D8G and D9 to Génos. From Tarbes: about 1 hour via the A64, exit 17, then A645, N125, D26 and D9. From Luchon: about 30 minutes.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Shop selling honeys and hive products, with tasting. Picnic area with tables and benches.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Corporate events
Seminars by reservation from 45 people, with guided visits and meals on request.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Self-guided or guided visit, suited to groups, families, schools, after-school groups and people with disabilities. Booking recommended at 05 61 79 68 04 or via the contact form. |
