Departmental conservatory of fruit species and ancient vines

The Conservatory, owned by the Department of the Tarn, is involved in programmes to preserve and restore biodiversity and houses collections of local and regional varieties of apple, pear, plum and vine trees.

As part of its environmental policy, the Department of the Tarn set up the Conservatory in 1986. At the heart of the department's ‘Vallon de l'Audoulou’ sensitive natural area, the Conservatoire works to safeguard, identify, restore and promote cultivated and agricultural biodiversity. This biological wealth is collected from the former Midi Pyrénées region, helping to preserve the region's collective memory. It is part of a sustainable development approach. The 8 ha of plots at the foot of the fortified village of Puycelsi are home to more than 700 old varieties of pome fruit trees (apples and pears), stone fruit trees (plums, cherries and peaches) and more than 100 old vine varieties. These extensive collection plots are managed using reasoned techniques.

Every Wednesday and Friday (9am to 12pm), you can discover the site and the collection orchards with free 1-hour guided tours (departing at 10am). In June, September and October, the Conservatory will also be open on Saturdays from 9am to 12pm (guided tour at 10am).

At the Maison du Conservatoire, there are several areas where you can find out more about ancient fruit trees and biodiversity. There is also a children's area.

Depending on the season and the harvest, fresh fruit and apple juice can be sold.