Discover the power of plants at the Au bonheur des Plantes boutique on rue de la Capelle in Millau

Au bonheur des Plantes, atelier boutique où les plantes sont à l’honneur. Midi Libre – Romane Levi

Inaugurated on June 8, the Au bonheur des Plantes workshop-boutique welcomed its first customers during this summer period that is coming to an end.

Karine Cartayrade from Millau and Isabelle Robert are at the origin of the Au bonheur des plantes project on rue de la Capelle. Sharing a common passion for plants and their virtues, the two women originally worked separately. Karine Cartayrade passionately tells the story of their project.

The meeting of two stories

She worked for 26 years as a manager in a travel agency. This sixty-year-old has always had a strong attraction to plants. "One day, I told myself that I wanted my hobby to become my job", she says.

The former saleswoman therefore embarked on studies as a herbalist for three years, she completed her training with courses at the agricultural high school in Saint-Affrique. After obtaining a certificate of knowledge of aromatic and medicinal plants, she began her work as a farmer and plant processor on land that she rented in Peyre. “The first years were difficult because I was alone. I then suggested to the agricultural high school to send students to do practical work at my place”.

Overview of the Au bonheur des Plantes workshop boutique. Midi Libre – Romane Levi

For her part, Isabelle Robert is studying at the agricultural high school in Saint-Affrique, where the two women met, for a diploma specializing in permaculture. After her training, she settled in the city and started her own business.

“One day, we said to each other that we had to work together,confides Karine Cartayrade with a smile.  We complemented each other, each taught the other things".  For two years, the two women continued to work separately on their respective businesses, Kalys Artisan agricole for Karine and Les terrasses d’Al Mouly for Isabelle and shared their productions on the markets.

The first works on many products such as food (syrups, herbal teas, plant powder), fumigation sticks and especially medicinal products (thyme syrup, Four Thieves vinegar, etc.). “It's been fifteen years since I took a Doliprane”, she explains, specifying that she does not intend to treat herself with plants in the event of a serious illness. “Plants relieve minor ailments, not major illnesses”. The second also produces food from her plants, the remains of which she uses to make paintings, meditation sticks and scented pots.

Meditation sticks, among other productions by Isabelle Robert. Midi Libre – Romane Levi

The agricultural high school of Saint-Affrique calls on the former travel agent to fill the position of trainer in medicinal plants, and agrees to recruit Isabelle as well, at Karine's request. “I knew that we had a long way to go together. In addition to that, I have the rather technical side and Isabelle the practical side. We were right to do this because we had 100% satisfaction”.

Launch of the association

The two women decided to launch an association together in order to “bring together people working with plants”. The initial idea of ​​the two enthusiasts was to “make people aware of everything that can be done with plants, through sales and workshops". The first summer was to be used to scout out locations in order to adjust the workshop-boutique activity later.

Au bonheur des Plantes, rue de la Capelle in Millau. Midi Libre – Romane Levi

Today, sixteen artists, artisans and farmers are part of their project and see their productions exhibited in the shop. Starting in October, themed workshops will be offered every Saturday, without reservation. The two farmers behind the project will also offer creative workshops and botanical walks at the social centers of Millau and Saint-Affrique, as well as retirement homes and daycare centers. “Connecting with nature has a beneficial effect. Its power is immense, especially to soothe and make you happy. This is what we want to share with the people we meet”, concludes Karine Cartayrade.

Practical information: Address: 4 rue de la Capelle, Millau