The Maison des Papillons in Saint-Tropez

A Hidden Treasure in the Heart of Saint-Tropez

The Maison des Papillons, a hidden treasure in the heart of Saint-Tropez, invites you to delve into a unique artistic, educational, and scientific universe. Imagine pinning butterflies in landscapes you've previously painted, watching them come to life behind the glass walls of display cases. A museum that reveals the subtle games of mimicry and camouflage, weaving a profound connection between these delicate creatures and their biotope.

A Breathtaking Collection

All diurnal butterflies of France, as well as a remarkable collection of exotic species, find their place in this sanctuary. Over 35,000 specimens coexist, some on the brink of extinction and now under protection, others representing rare and precious varieties, like the mysterious Apollon Noir du Mercantour.

When Art Meets Passion

In the words of Dany Lartigue, the artist behind this marvelous adventure, "*I was in ecstasy before a butterfly: how magnificent it was!*". This ecstasy was the starting point of the Maison des Papillons, a work that embodies a passion both timeless and eternal. Butterflies, these winged and delicate creatures, inhabit his museum like stars in a fairy sky. Each of them acts as a messenger between the world of humans and that of nature.

A Historic Abode in Service of Butterflies

The Maison des Papillons is not merely a museum but an extension of Dany Lartigue's heart and soul. This family home, steeped in history, is now the guardian of this exceptional collection. The former residence of the painter, son of the renowned photographer Jacques-Henri Lartigue and grandson of André Messager, has been preserved so that its walls still breathe the admiration he felt for these fascinating creatures.

Awe-Inspiring Gaze on Butterfly Diversity

Every visitor who enters this enchanting place faces a splendid selection of French diurnal butterflies. Over several decades, Dany Lartigue has collected this incredible diversity, capturing the beauty and uniqueness of each specimen. Nearly 35,000 butterflies coexist here, some rare and delicate, others coming from distant and exotic lands such as the Amazon or the Solomon Islands.

The Apollon Noir du Mercantour: A Precious Gem

The Apollon Noir du Mercantour, a rare and mysterious creature, finds its place in this universe. This inhabitant of the skies, whose presence is nearly legendary, is a poignant example of the biodiversity richness that the Maison des Papillons strives to protect.

A Place of Learning and Inspiration

However, this house is not just a refuge for butterflies but also a place of learning and inspiration. The Maison des Papillons opens its doors to students and scholars from around the world, eliciting enthusiasm from curious young minds and experts alike. Within its walls, art and science harmonize perfectly, offering an enriching educational experience for all.

The Perpetuity of a Precious Heritage

As a tangible expression of Dany Lartigue's passion, the perpetuity of the Maison des Papillons is ensured through his donation to the city. The preservation and improvement of the collections now form an integral part of this history, ensuring that this window into the fairy world of butterflies continues to awe future generations.

An Eternal Symphony

Thus, the Maison des Papillons in Saint-Tropez offers visitors a unique chance to lose themselves in the magic of these creatures, to marvel at their fragile beauty, and to immerse themselves in an adventure where art, science, and nature meet in an eternal symphony. A symphony that resonates through time, like the delicate wings of a butterfly in the wind. An experience that will leave an indelible mark in the heart of every visitor, inviting them to embrace the beauty and diversity of the natural world that surrounds us.