Local produce
The olive tree
The olive tree, the symbol of the Mediterranean brought to Provence and planted by the Greeks 25 years ago, is now very much part of the Mediterranean landscape from its gnarly trunk to its greenish grey jewels.
Large olive trees are spread over the Rhône’s fertile plain around Tarascon.
Stroll around the olive trees [+] (pdf)
Its delicious fruit with its famous qualities matures under the searing sun and is harvested from September to February depending on its use.
As France’s top olive growing department, our region has a wide variety of olive trees such as Grossane, Salonenque, Picholine, Verdale and Lucques which all have specific flavours.
The olive tree is the secret of Provençal cooking and part of its richness.
Whether green or black, olives can be eaten on any occasions and used in different ways: pitted, cured, broken or pickled and flavoured with garlic, fennel and thyme, in a tapenade as well as in traditional dishes.