Abeille — La Rochère

The Bee collection is La Rochère's iconic collection and one of the most popular on AZ boutique. Its famous bee motif raised in relief is inspired by a historic glass held at the Musée Carnavalet in Paris, which belonged to Napoleon Bonaparte.

The origin of the Bee motif

The bee is the imperial emblem adopted by Napoleon in 1804. La Rochère reinterpreted it in pressed glass to create one of the most recognisable French collections: every piece features bees in relief on its sides, perceptible to the touch.

• Pressed glass made in France in Passavant-la-Rochère since 1475
• Available in clear glass, night blue and gold-rim versions depending on the reference

The most popular pieces in the Bee collection

A few formats account for most of the purchases on AZ boutique.

• Old fashioned tumbler 26 cl: AZ boutique's best-selling piece, versatile for water and cold drinks (set of 6)
• Longdrink 31 cl and 46 cl: for tall drinks and sparkling water
• Wine glass 24 cl: stemmed glass with a soft curve, in keeping with the bee motif
• Mechanical clear butter dish: an iconic service piece of the collection
• Champagne flute 15 cl: for festive tables
• Coffee/tea mug 27.5 cl: the hot-beverage version for breakfast service
• Decanters and pitchers 75-100 cl: for table service of wine and water
• Pressed-glass plates: dinner 25 cm, dessert 19 cm, pasta 24 cm, presentation 32 cm

Choosing within the Bee collection

Why is the Bee collection well-known?

It is La Rochère's iconic collection, recognisable by its bee motif in relief inspired by a historic piece from the Musée Carnavalet. No other collection of the house features this precise motif: it is the brand's signature visual identity.

Are there coloured versions in the Bee collection?

Yes. The 26 cl old fashioned tumblers and the stemmed wine glass are available in night blue in addition to the standard clear-glass version. Some wine glasses also come with a gold rim. Other formats are mainly available in clear glass.

Which piece should I start a Bee service with?

The best starting point is a set of 26 cl old fashioned tumblers (best-seller of the collection), complemented by 31 cl longdrinks for taller drinks. For a complete service, add the 15 cl champagne flutes and the 100 cl decanter for table wine.

Is the Bee collection dishwasher-safe?

Yes, the entire collection is dishwasher-safe. To preserve the glass's brilliance and the legibility of the relief, La Rochère recommends a moderate-temperature cycle with a non-aggressive detergent. The gold-rim versions should be washed by hand to preserve the decoration.

The Bee collection on AZ boutique

Discover the Bee selection by La Rochère on AZ boutique, from everyday tumblers to presentation plates. To explore other glass pieces, browse the Glassware and Tableware sections.

Worth exploring at La Rochère: Paname, Absinthe, Versailles, Périgord.