Bee wall

In the vicinity of ruins and terraces, there are surprising niches built into a well-preserved dry stone wall.

This 18th-century “apiary” could contain 25 beehives made of wood or cork bark.
These stone structures helped protect the bees from temperature fluctuations, inclement weather, and predators.

Like most apiaries, it is oriented to the South so that the hives are protected from the Mistral wind and exposed to light for longer.

This built heritage testifies to a know-how that has been carefully studied and perfected over time.

In a Provençal farmer's manual published in Toulon by Henri Laure in 1837, we find advice intended for beekeepers of yesteryear.
He advocated placing these buildings in an orchard or on the edge of a wood, near which he advised planting rosemary for a better taste result.

The olive tree, on the other hand, seemed to repel the bees, while the strawberry tree and the heather gave a bitter taste that was not appreciated.