Who are you and where do you come from?
My name is Lionel Rolland, and I was born in Gap in the Hautes-Alpes region of France. My training was both technical (industrial draughtsman) and artistic (National Diploma in Arts and Techniques from the Beaux-Arts de Valence art school). In the 2000s, I returned home to take over thefamily business and become a professional beekeeper. In 2015, with my wife Sandrine, we created Apiland nature, a 2,000m2 beekeeping museum that presents agriculture, biodiversity and bees.
If I say Serre-Ponçon, what comes to mind?
Lake, nature, tourist destination, change of scenery, discovery, crafts, sports, hiking, heritage, sunshine, energy, colors, scenic beauty... there's no shortage of words to describe this unique place still unspoilt by mass tourism.
Tell us about your business?
Apiland nature is a farm with 250 beehives. We specialize in the manufacture of hive products, honey, flower pollen, royal jelly, beeswax and propolis. For many years our company has been rewarded for the high quality of its production: 7 gold medals since 2015 and a prize for excellence in 2018 at the Salon International de l'Agriculture in Paris. Apiland nature is also a space that can be visited. We offer guided tours with commentary. Apiland nature is also a magnificent 200m2 boutique. We even have a catering area offering a quality gourmet break (Assiette labélisée "Hautes-Alpes naturellement").
Why did you choose Serre-Ponçon as the location for your business?
In fact, I'm the seventh generation of farmers on the same site since 1854. I left for a few years to see "something else", but I soon realized that my life was here at the foot of Lac de Serre-Ponçon on the family farm.
What are you most passionate about as a beekeeper?
Beekeeping is a fascinating profession that calls on a multitude of different and complementary skills, all of which can be acquired over the course of a career. In fact, everything about beekeeping fascinates me! Ecosystems, botany and climatology are often among my interests, as are genetics, business, carpentry... Beekeeping is a multitude of activities that take place all year round, with extra work during the summer months. Exchanging with our visitors during guided tours is a very gratifying moment of sharing.
Your tip for an unforgettable vacation in Serre-Ponçon?
The lake has to be earned! Climb up, take in the view, your eyes will be filled with the beauty of this landscape, then come back down and take a boat, set off to discover this little inland sea with its surrounding mountains that exude this imperceptible but ever-present force.
Do you have a little anecdote to tell us about one of your visits or workshops?
Let me begin by saying that the Apiland tour includes an animation entitled "Célestin's Mill". We plunge visitorsinto the heart of an old walnut oil mill, explaining how it worked, telling them about the lives of people in days gone by and, of course, that of Célestin at the mill's controls. It's a moving journey into the past.
One day, I strike up a conversation with a young couple who confide in me that they had already been to Apiland five years ago. They had really enjoyed the visit, and the animation about Célestin's mill had moved them to tears. Célestin, they tell me, is a model of courage and resilience for us, and we promised ourselves that if we ever had a son, we'd name him Célestin. They then move aside slightly, revealing a little boy: "This is Célestin, he's four years old". The animation on the mill was designed to pay tribute to Célestin, my great-grandfather. And what better tribute than this little boy named after him! Imagine my emotion! I thanked them warmly and wished Célestin junior as much courage and longevity as the man who inspired his name. My great-grandfather passed away at the age of 98.
Serre-Ponçon Wildlife Park
Between the sky, the mountains and Lake Serre-Ponçon, the whole park team welcomes you to share an unforgettable family moment of thrills and excitement.
