The Conservatoire de l'Abeille Noire (Blackbee Conservatory)

The black bee (Apis mellifera mellifera) is a subspecies of the honeybee. Savoy’s ecotype, adapted to the climate and local flora, is used by the valley’s bee-keepers. The creation in April 2016 of a black bee Conservatory in the Encombres valley has led to the establishment of mating apiaries. These apiaries allow young queens to be fertilised only by males of this ecotype. These mating apiaries, small beehives, can be seen where the trail leaves the road of Encombres descending towards Les Priots. The power line which passes right above dœs not disturb them. The transmission of electricity from Albertville (Bathie) to Italy has been carried out since 1971.