LE MIEL DE PARIS

Urban honey… urban honey?

Let’s talk about Audric de Campeau’s fabulous initiative, or the installation of beehives on the roofs of Parisian monuments.

Why the terms “urban honey”, you might ask? Simply because cities are becoming bees’ last haven as they are chased away from the countryside by intensive agricultural practices. In light of this issue, Audric decided to help accommodate his beloved bees to the best of his ability.

The tall and singular beekeeper has thus been roaming the roofs of the Paris Mint (Monnaie de Paris), of the French Institute (Institut de France), of the Ministry of Home Affairs or even Boucheron, Place Vendôme – to name but a few – since 2009, and participating in the production of an incredibly tasty honey.

After having graduating from the prestigious HEC school and joined a luxury brand, the tender giant decided to go back to his true love: sweet honeybees. I believe the elaboration of this project was also the beginning of a less visible process: that of making peace with himself.

Let us now focus on the honey. I must confess that when Audric offered me some honey straight from the hive’s frame, I was very surprised by its smooth, powerful taste.

The flavor is the result of Paris’s particular melliferous flora, which is full of trees that produce lots of aromatic essences. It is also the result of Paris’s decision to avoid using pesticides, which was taken over 16 years ago. Last but certainly not least, it is enhanced by the hundreds of thousands (60 000 per hive) of bees’ ability to filter urban pollution.

The Miel de Paris (Parisian Honey) is of such quality that it is an artisanal producer recognized by the French Culinary College.

Like all top-quality products, the Miel de Paris is made through an artisanal manufacturing process and is therefore quite rare. According to Petrone, the latter is always an indicator of important value.

Thus, each pot of honey is numbered and only available in a select few shopping points: the Printemps du Goût, the Grande Epicerie at the Bon Marché or in the shops of the Musée d’Orsay and the Monnaie de Paris.

I am delighted to present you with the photos that captured our incredible time up in the air, on the roof of the Monnaie de Paris with Audric de Campeau, his dog and their respective straw hats.

Audric told me he had the most beautiful office in the world and I could not agree more.

October 19, 2018