Grevenmacher's Butterfly Garden blends nature with social mission

The tropical butterfly garden in Grevenmacher, a key local attraction, draws approximately 40,000 visitors each season. Operated by the "elisabeth" group, the facility serves not only as a tourist destination but also as a professional inclusion workshop for people with intellectual disabilities.

Established in 1989 along the Route de Trèves, the 600-square-metre garden houses a diverse population of exotic butterflies. According to Maud Hansen, the garden's manager, specimens are sourced from countries like Costa Rica and the Philippines at the start of the season, with occasional supplemental orders to ensure variety for guests.

Between 40 and 50 different species inhabit the space, with the population reaching around 500 butterflies during peak season. The garden receives weekly pupa deliveries, and its inhabitants also reproduce on-site. Hansen noted that early September is a particularly vibrant time to visit, when dense foliage and high butterfly activity create a notable spectacle.

A mission of inclusion

The garden was originally founded 36 years ago by the Clasen family of Bernard-Massard. In 2011, management was transferred to "Yolande Coop", a branch of the "elisabeth" group, which re-conceived the attraction as a sheltered workshop.

The dual goal, Hansen explained in an interview with RTL, was to preserve a popular tourist site while creating meaningful employment opportunities. Today, ten individuals with intellectual disabilities are employed across two teams: one maintains the garden, caring for incoming pupae and plants, while the other staffs the brasserie and shop, handling visitor reservations and sales.

To thrive, the butterflies require a carefully controlled environment of 28 degrees Celsius and 80% humidity. They feed primarily on flower nectar but are also supplemented with nutrient-rich fruit and nectar plates provided by staff.

The short lifecycle of Grevenmacher's butterflies

The butterflies inhabiting the Grevenmacher garden are characterised by a brief lifespan, with most living for a maximum of two weeks. "We even have moth species with an even shorter life cycle, surviving for only a few days," Hansen explained.

Beyond butterflies, the facility is also home to a diverse ecosystem that includes birds, fish, chameleons a beehive, and a large tortoise. Hansen emphasised that the garden prioritises high standards of animal welfare and works closely with a veterinarian who conducts regular on-site visits.

Education and tourism

The garden is a staple of many Luxembourgers' childhoods, with Hansen noting that few students complete their schooling without a visit. The team adopts a strongly educational approach, featuring informational signage and a multilingual audio guide available in four languages. This focus makes the attraction a popular destination not only for tourists and families but also for school classes and drop-in centres (maisons-relais).

To preserve a tranquil experience, visitor numbers are capped at 60 per hour. This policy ensures a calm environment where guests can sit, observe, and appreciate the surroundings without overcrowding, benefiting both the visitors and the well-being of the animals and plants.

This approach has proven successful: the garden recorded a record 45,000 visitors in 2024, exceeding its typical annual attendance of approximately 40,000.

Souvenirs and local products

A dedicated shop offers souvenirs and products crafted in-house by the Yolande Coop workshops. These include items from their bakery, soap workshop, and book corner, showcasing the output of the social enterprise's eight professional inclusion workshops.

The Grevenmacher Butterfly Garden is open annually from 1 April through October. Visitors are advised to purchase tickets online in advance. Admission is set at €10, and a typical visit lasts about one hour.

Further information is available on the official website: www.papillons.lu.