An open-air museum
Solamoure Farm, an exceptional site awarded the Fondation du Patrimoine label, classified as a Sensitive Natural Area in 2020 and under an ORE (Real Environmental Obligation) contract for 99 years.
This 21.61-hectare farm, restored to its original state with respect for the authenticity of its materials, implementation, and finish, belongs to Mr. Julien Bisognin Sauveterre, known as Julien de Coueilles. His name “Sauveterre” predestined him to protect his land and all the biodiversity, fauna, and flora present here. Management is handled by the Conservatoire d’Espaces Naturels d’Occitanie.
Solamoure, an ecological adventure that began in 1948.
Since 2012, naturalist inventories and agro-ecological management have been carried out by the Conservatoire d’Espaces Naturels d’Occitanie (CEN) in this true open-air museum. This has made it possible to identify 201 animal species, including 18 of high conservation priority, and 215 plant species, including 5 ZNIEFF (Natural Zone of Ecological, Faunistic and Floristic Interest) determinant species, as well as rhopalocera (butterflies) including the Marsh Fritillary and the Large Blue; amphibians including the Marbled Newt, the Palmate Newt, the Parsley Frog, and the Mediterranean Tree Frog; reptiles including the Grass Snake and the Western Green Lizard; 13 chiroptera (bats) including the Lesser and Greater Horseshoe Bat; and birds including the Yellowhammer, the Cirl Bunting, the Red-backed Shrike, and the European Bee-eater.”
Every year for Nature Day, a hike is organized by the CEN with Marc Enjalbal, a botanist who explains the uniqueness of this place and the need to protect it.
Practical info
Visits only during Nature Week and European Heritage Days
Contact: Conservatoire d’espaces naturels d’Occitanie – Phone: 05.81.60.81.90 https://www.cen-occitanie.org
