This week we will take you to the beautiful valley of les Baux de Provence, in the little village of Maussane-les-Alpilles, in the heart of the Alpilles Natural Park, where the oldest oil mill of the country is hidden.
We propose that you discover this exceptional place full of history and traditions.
This mill welcomes you all year round to enjoy its exceptional fruity black, many derivative products based on olive oil or local products which go well with this oil.
The Mill comes to life each year when the old machines are started in November and December.
This oil mill dating from the 17th century is a unique place.
Since its creation it has never ceased to produce olive oil !
The methods of production, centuries-old, are the same as is its architecture of a impressive richness.
Nestled in the heart of the small Provencal village of Maussane-les-Alpilles and built in 1610, this very old Provencal building with vaulted ceilings retains a unique charm and authenticity.
Belonging to the Lord of Manville, the mill was at first private. It is in 1924, under the impulsion and the financial contribution of several small producers, who had formed a group, that it became a co-op which has continued to develop since then.
Today, this mill has 750 active olive growers, professional and passionate. The mill offers for sale olive oil fruity black and fruity green with the A.O.C Vallée des Baux label, a traditional vintage appreciated by the great chefs and other delicious local products such as olives, tapenades, preserves, honey, soap or natural cosmetics.
These products, very highly regarded in France have seduced many gastronomic restaurant chefs who feature them in their dishes for the greatest pleasure of our taste buds.
At the end of the visit of the mill you can enjoy a sampling of its specialty: an olive oil of the Black Fruity type, big star of the mill.
If you travel in winter, you will have the pleasure of seeing the mill come to life ! Olives are crushed then pressed to extract the oil. The work of one year bears its fruits before your eyes...
The oil offered by this mill is classified AOC Vallée des Baux de Provence
The Vallée des Baux de Provence is very famous for the quality of its gourmet heritage, especially for the fineness of its olive oil which has made its reputation. It has many AOC olive oils and wines recognized by the best specialists for their quality.
Plaisirs et Maisons de Provence propose that you stay in one of its vacation rentals in the Alpilles to enjoy this visit of the mill.
If you want to know more on the production of olive oil from olive groves to bottling, we invite you to reserve this day by clicking here.
