{"id":4739,"date":"2025-05-13T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-13T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/la-vallee-heureuse.pausado.com\/non-classifiee\/discover-the-local-specialties-of-the-alpilles-region"},"modified":"2026-06-01T17:53:03","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T15:53:03","slug":"discover-the-local-specialties-of-the-alpilles-region","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/la-vallee-heureuse.pausado.com\/en\/decouvrir-les-alpilles\/specialite-locale-alpilles","title":{"rendered":"Discover the local specialties of the Alpilles region"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you hear the word Alpilles<\/strong>, you immediately think of the Regional Nature Park<\/strong>, the range of limestone hills<\/strong> and its quaint villages<\/strong>. We sometimes forget that this area in the Bouches-du-Rh\u00f4ne<\/strong> also boasts an exceptional terroir<\/strong>. From certified produce<\/strong> to Proven\u00e7al cuisine<\/strong>, the Alpilles are the perfect place to tantalise your taste buds. That\u2019s why, in this article, we\u2019re going to take a look at the local specialities of the Alpilles<\/strong>. From regional produce<\/strong> to must-visit spots<\/strong>, not to mention recipes<\/strong> to try, discover everything you need for an epicurean holiday in Provence<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Local produce to discover in the Alpilles<\/h2>\n

The Alpilles region, a naturally fertile area par excellence, is renowned for its wine and olive production. These two industries form an integral part of the economy of the Provence-Alpes-C\u00f4te d\u2019Azur region. So, between hikes or visits to local villages, why not discover the Alpilles<\/a> in a different way, through its local specialities?<\/p>\n

Olive oil: the green gold of the Alpilles<\/h3>\n

The most iconic regional speciality of the Alpilles is, without a doubt, olive oil. Produced from green or black olives, it comes in a variety of flavours. Discover the history of Provence\u2019s \u2018green gold\u2019 and find out which places to visit to learn all about this product, which is the pride of our region.<\/p>\n

The history of olive oil from the Alpilles<\/h4>\n

Set amongst vineyards and hills, olive groves dominate the valley of Les Baux-de-Provence. They are estimated to cover 2,400 hectares, comprising some 300,000 trees, making this the largest olive-growing area in France. However, the olive tree is not a native species. The first trees were planted in the Bouches-du-Rh\u00f4ne following the Phoenician conquests, several millennia ago. The microclimate of the Alpilles makes it a perfect haven.<\/p>\n

Since ancient times, olive oil has been used in cooking, as well as in herbal medicine and personal care. In the Middle Ages, the olive tree made its appearance in religious ceremonies and became the emblem of the Baux-de-Provence valley. It was from the 18th century onwards that the first olive groves began to appear. Olive oil then became the flagship product of the Alpilles, where trade flourished. But that was without taking into account the capricious weather. In 1956, frost devastated the crops; two-thirds of the region\u2019s olive groves were lost. It was thanks to the technique of coppicing and a good dose of patience that olive growers revived olive cultivation in the Alpilles.<\/p>\n

Must-see attractions<\/h4>\n

Two professions play a key role in the production of Alpilles olive oil: olive growers and millers. Whilst the former cultivate the olive trees and harvest their fruit, the latter transform them into \u2018green gold\u2019. Olive growers are found throughout the region and number in the dozens. If you\u2019d like to visit a farm, please feel free to contact the estates listed on the Saint-R\u00e9my-de-Provence Tourist Office website. The millers producing AOP Vall\u00e9e des Baux-de-Provence olive oil are fewer in number, but just as happy to show you around their estates.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Delicatessens worth discovering<\/h4>\n

You can, of course, find olive oil produced in the region, as well as other local specialities from the Alpilles, in the delicatessens near our La Vall\u00e9e Heureuse campsite, located in Orgon<\/a>. For a wider selection, we recommend taking a stroll around Saint-R\u00e9my-de-Provence, particularly in the following shops:<\/p>\n