One can only be struck by the incredible modernity of the famous entomologist and scholar Jean-Henri Fabre (1823-1915), who lived for 40 years at Sérignan-du-Comtat, near Orange. There, he bought a Provençal farmhouse with a fallow garden (“harmas”), where everything was done (or skilfully neglected) to promote rich biodiversity.
L’Harmas of Jean-Henri Fabre
On the occasion of the bicentennial of his birth, the National Museum of Natural History, which has owned this place since 1922, has undertaken to fully renovate the home of the scholar, at the same time restructuring the route of the visit, between the interior and exterior, introducing new educational tools, even opening rooms which were until now closed to the public.
Remember that the Harmas has for a long time been a reference for entomologists from around the world. Passionate about nature, Jean-Henri Fabre tirelessly observed the life of countless insects: cicadas, scarab beetles, dung beetles, bees, etc.
The house contains his cherished collections: shells, fossils, herbariums, bird nests, naturalist watercolours, printed works and manuscripts, as well as his study with his equipment (microscopes, traps, breeding bells) and some furniture, including the small work desk where he was often photographed.
Between the wild garden and rustic farmhouse, here visitors experience a true immersion into the natural sciences of the 19th century. The garden and the vegetable garden are the result of the tireless work of two passionate gardeners.
Reopening at the start 23 June 2023
Signs and teaching tools in French and English.
Good to know:
From 2023, a single ticket will allow visitors to see both the Harmas and the Naturoptère just opposite.
Practical information
Harmas Jean-Henri Fabre
445 Route d’Orange
84830 Sérignan du Comtat
T. +33 (0)4 90 30 57 62
Press Contact
Jérôme MUNIER
Communications Manager at the Museum national d’Histoire naturelle
T. +33 (0)1 40 79 54 42
Le Naturoptère
An ode to biodiversity
This cultural and educational centre, dedicated to nature, opened in 2010 as a tribute to the Harmas and the spirit of Jean-Henri Fabre.
The Naturoptère and its elegant architecture, fully eco-designed, is worth visiting in itself, but the themed gardens, the constantly renewed exhibitions, the workshops and naturalist walks and events on multiple themes throughout the year make the Naturoptère a lively and exciting place people like to revisit each season.
This year, the cultural programming, always rich, will offer a special focus on JH Fabre with a series of storytelling walks to Sérignan and in the surrounding villages, as well as a theatrical reading of Fabre’s writings in the gardens of the Naturoptère.
2023 Exhibition: “Oh, the creature! Astonishing bugs around our houses”
Practical information
Le Naturoptère
33 cours Jean-Henri Fabre
84830 Sérignan-du-Comtat
Combined ticket for Harmas and Naturoptère: €10
Reduced and group entry fee: €7 (groups from 20 people)
Visit on your own (signs in French and English)
Guided tour with the gardener on request (in French only)
Billet unique Harmas et Naturoptère : 10€
Contact:
T. +33 (0)4 90 30 33 20
contact@naturoptere.fr
Exhibition at the Requien Museum, in Avignon
On the beautiful Rue Joseph Vernet, the Requien Museum brings together fascinating local collections of natural history. From May to December 2023, an exhibition will retrace the steps of Jean-Henri Fabre in the region, illustrating the incredible modernity of his thought.
Conferences, entertainment and events throughout the year. As the municipal museums of the town are free, there is no excuse not to go!
Practical information
Musée Requien
67 rue Joseph Vernet, Avignon
T. +33 (0)4 13 60 51 20
museum.requien@mairie-avignon.com
Theatrical naturalist walks
From late June to 15 July
Between scenes, readings and pieces of music, you can immerse yourself in nature and the world of insects as described by the famous naturalist.
Several theatrical naturalist walks are organised on the occasion of this anniversary. From the end of June to July 15, you can stroll with actors from the Théâtre de la Ronde through the streets of Sérignan and the surrounding villages (Ste Cécile, Uchaux, Piolenc, Violès, etc.).
Free participation, dates and reservations with the Naturoptere.
T. +33 (0)4 90 30 33 20
©V. Gillet ©CRT Paca ©Théâtre de la Ronde ©Cintas Flores-VPA ©Arch.P. du Roure-Avignon