Lionel and Sandrine, the creative and passionate souls behind Apiland Nature
At the foot of the Serre-Ponçon dam, Lionel and Sandrine Rolland do much more than produce honey: they share, transmit and celebrate biodiversity through Apiland Nature, a living museum and educational farm unique in the Hautes-Alpes. Heirs to three generations of beekeepers, they embody passion, high standards and innovation in the service of nature and the land.
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© Analogue production -
© Analogue production -
© Analogue production -
© Analogue production -
© Analogue production -
© Analogue production -
© Analogue production -
© justine cochard -
© Analogue production -
© Analogue production
The story of a family, artistic and human passion
As soon as you enter, you're greeted by Sandrine's warm, dynamic personality. A veritable mistress of ceremonies, she leads tours with infectious energy, making each visit almost theatrical, especially when it comes to her favorite subject : bees. Her pedagogy, humor and enthusiasm transform discovery into an unforgettable experience, where young and old leave with stars in their eyes.
But Apiland Nature is also the mark of an artistic eye. Lionel, a graduate of the École des Beaux-Arts, pays particular attention to the museum's scenography. Every space, every detail, is designed to amaze and educate. Giant metal insect sculptures created by a local craftsman, collections of insects associated with mineral colors, play on light and materials: everything contributes to making Apiland a place where beauty and education come together.
A living museum, a tribute to biodiversity
A unique scenographic tour
In this 2,000 m² museum, a visit guided by Lionel and Sandrine is a total immersion in the world of bees, wasps, hornets and all garden insects. The monumental sculptures, faithful down to the smallest detail, fascinate young and old alike, and bear witness to Lionel's exacting artistic standards. The insect collections, combined with colorful minerals, offer a unique insight into the richness of life.
Célestin's Mill and the family memory
At the heart of the museum, the "Moulin de Célestin" brings to life the old walnut oil mill of the family's great-grandparents. Thanks to an immersive audiovisual presentation, young and old alike can discover the life of yesteryear and the importance of local heritage, in an atmosphere imbued with emotion and sensations
An educational farm, passionate beekeepers
First and foremost, Lionel and Sandrine are beekeepers by trade. Their herd of 250 hives transhumance from the Ubaye mountains to the Valensole plateaux, guaranteeing an exceptional diversity of honeys. Their passion and know-how are regularly rewarded at the Paris Salon de l'Agriculture, where they win prestigious titles every year, including the Prix d'Excellence in 2018.
At Apiland, transmission is at the heart of the project: artisanal honey extraction right before your eyes, beeswax candle-making workshops, educational activities for all ages... Here, you learn, you taste, you marvel, you understand the essential role of pollinators and the importance of preserving biodiversity.
A place in perpetual evolution
Temporary exhibitions and a window on the world
Apiland Nature regularly hosts temporary exhibitions on the beekeeping profession and biodiversity. At present, the "A Bee Cyclette" exhibition retraces the bicycle journey of two young women to meet beekeepers across Europe and Asia, illustrating the openness and curiosity that drive Lionel and Sandrine
A museum that grows and innovates
From summer 2025, Apiland Nature is expanding! An extension and modification of the museographic space will enable visitors to explore the site independently. The integration of animated films created with the help of artificial intelligence will once again bear witness to the desire for innovation and constant evolution instilled by Lionel and Sandrine, who devote their entire lives to this project
A gourmet and local break
In July and August, Apiland's terrace and bright rooms welcome visitors for a gourmet break featuring local produce: tourtons, ravioles, Ubaye tomme, homemade pastries and, of course, honey from the farm
