The Apiary

Visit the first bee interpretation centre in Quebec!
With our 40 years of passionate involvement in the world of beekeeping, we will be delighted to show you our fascinating universe.
An immersive experience for young and old in Stoke, 5 minutes from Sherbrooke, in the heart of the Eastern Townships!

RECEPTION and INTERPRETIVE AREAS

Our premises can comfortably and safely accommodate up to 60 people.

CHECK OUT OUR TOURS

PLAYGROUND AND PICNIC AREA

A few tables are also available inside the building to shelter from inclement weather

ALPACAS & CHICKENS

Come and meet our cute chickens and our friends the alpacas: Fripon, Paco and Maxou!

Miellerie Lune de Miel, a story of passion with bees for over 40 years!

TIMELINE

1978

BIRTH OF THE FERME LUNE DE MIEL (HONEYMOON FARM)

After attending a course on apiculture, Richard Côté decides to become a beekeeper. He erects 50 hives on his father’s property and focuses on making two varieties of honey, producing it in an old cabin that had been part of a motel – no doubt the scene of many honeymoons and loving words!

1982

A FULL-TIME OCCUPATION

The Ferme Lune de Miel starts to take up more of Richard Côté’s time, so he moves all of his equipment to Stoke where he converts a former stable into an apiary. The site was very accessible to the general public and within easy reach of Sherbrooke and that gave rise to an innovative idea – opening the farm to visitors and introducing them to the fascinating world of bees.

1983

AGRITOURISM – THE BIRTH OF A NEW CONCEPT

Richard Côté and his spouse, Carole Huppé, welcomes their very first visitors! In order to help guide the public to their site, the couple asks the Ministry of Transport if they can install road signs with pictorial symbols indicating the nature of the enterprise. Unfortunately, at that time, no such symbols for a honey producer existed! The problem is solved when a committee headed by Tourism Quebec creates the pictogram – Centre d’Interprétation (Interpretation Centre) – a broad description that could apply to the Ferme Lune de Miel.

1990

INVESTMENTS AND EXPANSION

The Ferme Lune de Miel now has 400 hives and a growing number of visitors. It becomes clear that the building has to be expanded. In response to increased demand, the footprint of the production area is tripled.

1995

INSTALLATION OF A GIANT HIVE

After working for several years to establish their business, Richard Côté and Carole Huppé install a new attraction – the Giant Hive! This innovative move raises the profile of the Ferme Lune de Miel even further.

1997

A PRESTIGIOUS AWARD

The Giant Hive is an immersive experience that proves to be very popular and results in the Lune de Miel winning the Tourism Innovation Award at the province-wide Grand Prix du Tourisme

2001

MORE AGRITOURISM ATTRACTIONS

The building is again expanded, with a viewing room and a larger boutique. The farm now has more than 100 items themed around the universe of bees.

2003

AN INSPIRING PAINTING

Roger Vuillemin, a friend and neighbour, creates a painting of the scenic countryside around the Ferme Lune de Miel – an inspiring image that appears on the website and on all the product labels.

2004

EDUCATING THE PUBLIC

To improve the “visitor experience”, a passageway is turned into an educational space with an illuminated glass-fronted hive, magnifier and interpretive panels.

2007

NAME CHANGE

The Ferme Lune de Miel becomes Miellerie Lune de Miel. Its brand image is redesigned, including the apiary logo and product labels.

2019

HIGHLIGHTING THE ENVIRONMENT

The key role that pollination and pollinating insects (such as bees) play in maintaining a healthy environment becomes part of the apiary’s goal of educating the public.

Would you like to know more about Miellerie Lune de Miel, the bees and the work of the beekeeper?

Watch this Radio-Canada report and meet owner Carole Huppé and her son Simon, who is not in the least afraid of bees!!!

Duration: 3 minutes