Honey from Jardin du Luxembourg

A Taste of Paris Once a Year

A Taste of Paris Once a Year: Honey from Jardin du Luxembourg

Hello everyone, thank you for being here in my little corner of the newsletter world. As promised, here is all the information for one of the sweetest secrets in Paris, literally, the honey from Jardin du Luxembourg which I finally got my hands on this month. Living here in Paris for 10 years now, I’ve come to appreciate the charm of these little seasonal treasures. 

TASTE: 

This honey really felt like a rare delight, harvested just once a year and available only for a limited time in September (I’ll get to the date for 2025 below). If you’re wondering what makes it so special? It’s produced by bees from the hives nestled in the park’s beautiful orchards, an idyllic spot tucked away in the heart of the city. The honey captures the essence of the flowers that bloom in the gardens throughout the year, creating the unique flavor that I tasted. Flowers, hints of chestnut, not overly sweet. There's something poetic about how fleeting this honey is, available only for a short while before it’s gone. Here is all the practical information for you. 

WHEN CAN YOU GET THE HONEY: 

The honey is available only on 1 day of the year, only in September, early in the morning, inside the park of Jardin de Luxembourg, right next to the honey orchids. I would suggest looking on the Jardin de Luxembourg website + the Société Centrale d'Apiculture for exact dates, times, and location inside the park for next year 2025 because it could change. Both websites provide much information about honey production and sales (of all kinds of honey) in and from different parts of Paris/France. It’s typically held during the Jour du Patrimoine in France in case you want to plan ahead. 

COST

The cost for the large-size jar which was 500g was 13 euros (either cash or by card). There was also a smaller size which was sold out by the time I got there - 10:30 am (I don’t know what the cost was or how many grams it was). It’s also important to note there is an honor system of one jar per person which I think is a good way to ensure everyone gets to try the honey and preserve its small batch nature. 

HONEY SCHOOL 

The honey school is also created by the Société Centrale d'Apiculture - Rucher École du Jardin du Luxembourg the same people who sell this honey. The school was created back in 1856. I was informed that the 2025 year is already full but 2026 is still open. The cost is 300 euros for the whole school year. I think classes take place 1 or 2 times a week on Saturdays (I would confirm this by emailing them) this was told to me by the lady who was doing the registration the day I bought the honey. There is a one-page application that needs to be completed which was being handed out on the day they were selling the honey. I do not know if you need to be a Paris resident however here is all the contact information. I would highly suggest emailing them to ask all your questions. 

+33 01 45 42 29 08
email - s.c.a@wanadoo.fr
website - www.la-sca.net

Thanks for being here, I hope this was helpful for you and I hope you can get your hands on this honey next year!