Miel Hamette
For five generations, the Hamette family has been beekeepers in Bourron-Marlotte, a small village on the edge of the Fontainebleau forest. As beekeepers and honey producers, they make homemade products such as gingerbread, honey candies, soap and cookies. With around 1,000 beehives, they create a variety of honey-based products using different types of honey.
Table of Contents
History
The Hamette family has been keeping bees in Bourron-Marlotte for over a century. In the early 1900s, beekeeping was a side activity alongside vegetable farming. The family began selling honey at the Fontainebleau market in 1912 and has continued to do so for five generations.
In 1976, Paul Hamette stopped vegetable farming to focus entirely on beekeeping. In 1989, his son François took over, later joined by his wife Anne. In 2019, their son Clément continued the family tradition, managing the beekeeping business.
Honey Varieties
- Acacia Honey: Light, liquid, and very mild in taste. Perfect for yogurt, fresh cheese, and fruits like strawberries or raspberries.
- Flower Honey: Creamy, smooth, and easy to spread. Harvested throughout the year from various flowers.
- Sunflower Honey: Bright yellow, creamy, and slightly tangy with a strong sweet taste.
- Spring Honey: The first honey of the season, made from clover, apple blossoms, dandelions, and other spring flowers. Smooth and easy to spread.
- Forest Honey: Dark and liquid with a strong flavor, mainly made from chestnut trees and brambles. Great with yogurt and fresh cheese.
- Alfalfa Honey: Fine-textured, liquid, or creamy. Perfect for sweet and savory cooking.
- Linden Honey: Fruity with a distinct linden flower aroma. Used for its calming effects and pairs well with tea or herbal infusions.
Gingerbread
Their homemade gingerbread is made with 50% honey and contains no added sugar. Available in different flavors like chocolate chips, orange, ginger, or fig, it’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or desserts. During the holiday season, it pairs well with foie gras.
Honey Candies
Their honey candies are made traditionally with 20% honey. They soothe the throat and contain no artificial colors or preservatives. Available in flavors like honey-lemon, honey-mint, honey-thyme, and honey-eucalyptus.
Where to Find Them
Markets
- Fontainebleau Market: Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday
- Melun Market: Saturday
Shop
- Address: 72 Rue du Général De Gaulle, 77780 Bourron-Marlotte
- Opening Hours: Thursday & Friday (16:00 - 18:30), Saturday (9:00 - 12:30)