This summer, from 3 July to 13 August, the Association du site de l’Abbatiale de Payerne (ASAP) is presenting the “Butterfly Chapel”, as well as its second edition of the “Monks’ Garden”.
For six weeks in the Abbey Church, the Estavayer Chapel will be transformed into a Butterfly Chapel, inviting visitors to observe different species each week. Outside, the courtyard of the cloister will host the second edition of the Monks’ Garden, with its ephemeral garden, musical entertainment and, of course, the monks’ refreshment bar offering a varied programme.
CHAPELLE AUX PAPILLONS – From 3 July to 13 August 2023
Exhibition of butterflies
For six weeks, the Estavayer chapel, which usually hosts a projection on the life of Empress Adelaide as part of the discovery trail, will be transformed into a Butterfly Chapel. Every week, it will play host to several different species from all over the world, including the Morpho peleides (the sky butterfly), the emerald moth and the Atlas, one of the largest butterflies in the world. The butterfly chapel invites you to stroll among the plants and observe the lepidopterans.
To organise this event, we worked in partnership with the man who calls himself Papa Papillon (Marc de Roche) and followed a number of important rules to provide the right living environment for the butterflies. Light, temperature, humidity and food are all adapted to their needs, in accordance with IABES (International Association of Butterfly Exhibitors and Suppliers) standards. We also worked with the city of Payerne’s Parks and Promenades department to install the plants.
JARDIN DES MOINES – From 3 July to 13 August 2023
Ephemeral garden
Installed in the former cloister courtyard, the ephemeral garden recalls the function of this place in the days of the monastery. Developed in partnership with the city of Payerne’s Parks and Promenades department, it offers a place to relax and discover. As last year, the Monks’ Garden will feature aromatic and medicinal plants and their virtues. Visitors can pick their own, in moderation, to accompany a drink or a dish.
The garden will be open continuously from 3 July to 13 August 2023.
Musical entertainment
Twenty-minute musical events will introduce visitors to the many facets of music from the 16th to 18th centuries, at the following times:
– Friday: 4.30pm
– Saturday: 11.30am, 2.30pm and 4.30pm
– Sunday: 2.30pm and 4.30pm
The musical events will take place in the Abbey Church, in the Parish Church and outside, in the Monks’ Garden. The detailed programme and location of each performance will be announced a few days beforehand, depending on the weather, and will be posted on the mepayerne.ch website.
Events in the Abbey Church are included in the visitor tour ticket. For those held in the Parish Church or outside, the musicians will pass by with a hat at the end of the demonstration.
