Things to do in Provence: Maussane-les-Alpilles

Nestled on the southern hillside of the Alpilles, Maussane is a typical and authentic provençal village in the vallée des Baux. It is well known for its olive production being one of the largest producers of olive oil in France with its 3 mills.

Olive oil production in the Alpilles

A questiion we sometimes get from guests at our luxury vacation rentals is: “How can you be sure you are tasting and buying quality olive oil whilst in Provence?”. As far as the Alpilles are concerned you will often find the AOP logo on the products of the vallée des Baux de Provence, it is earned as the result of conforming to a number of requirements. The first step towards earning the AOP label is proving the products merit to the INAO ( Institut National des Appellation d’ Origine), based on its geographic origins, specificity and production conditions.

The  recognized varieties of AOP olive oil in the Vallée des Baux, are the Grossane, Salonenque, Bouches du Rhône Verdale, Aglando olives, and Picholine to a maximum of 10%. The fruity green or fruity black oil varieties are obtained with the same olives. The difference is due to the time of maturation of the olives between harvesting and pressing.

Below is a link to one of the major olive producers in Maussane, you can visit their mill and production site whilst in the region:

Mas des Barres: www.masdesbarres.com

While  staying in a luxury vacation rental in Maussane, you should not miss visiting the market square with its fountain of the 4 seasons, as well as the adjoining streets cooled by small laundries and fountains, the Roman military terminals that line the road (Via Aurelia), the oratory dedicated to Saints honoured in Provence.

A visit to early 1900s Provence.

On the 23rd August 2015, like every year Maussane turns back the course of the time. Travel back to years of  Marcel Pagnol and  Jean Giono, discover artists and craft markets, children’s games, folklore….

For one day each summer the whole village returns to the early 1900s. If you happen to go through Maussane on this sunday, you will be welcomed by local inhabitants as well as professional comedians in traditional costumes bringing to life scenes from Provence’s heritage!

This day is dedicated to recreating an old fashioned atmosphere and to show what life was all about in those days. Lots of free activities and events  are sure to entertain the whole family.

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