Located between two of the prettiest touristic towns in the neighboring Alsace region of France, Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr, you will find a feast for the eyes—the Jardins des Papillons Exotiques Vivants with a fascinating collection of exotic butterflies living freely in a lush flora. Visitors can walk through greenhouses where they are surrounded by hundreds of butterflies from Africa, Asia, and the Americas, including the world’s biggest butterflies, while discovering and learning about the secret world of these jewels of nature. The center is home to some 200 varieties of butterflies that normally live between the 25th South parallel and the 25th North parallel, making their common climate suitable for co-habitation. The lives of butterflies are very secretive and fragile, and these beautiful insects are quickly disappearing all over the world due to the destruction of the biotopes where they develop, the careless use of pesticides, certain modern agricultural techniques, as well as urbanization and pollution. The center seeks to raise awareness of the fascinating world of butterflies and their usefulness in the world. The threats to the environment that endanger the survival of butterflies and the flowers ensuring their food supply also affect bees, who are responsible for the pollination of 80% of flowering plants.

From April to November, visitors will also be amazed by the plethora of pots in their outdoor gardens and are welcome to enjoy the picnic area surrounded by flowers and extraordinary plants. The Jardins des Papillons Exotiques Vivants can be reached by car in about one hour from Basel; it is located in the heart of Alsace’s wine route (Route de Ribeauvillé, 68150 Hunawihr). A visit to the center is a great experience for young and old and can easily be combined with a whole-day visit to the area for exploration of the villages and a wine tasting.

Entry costs € 10 for adults, € 7.50 for children ages 5-14, and free for children under age 5.

https://www.jardinsdespapillors.fr

Advertisement