Provence Olive Harvest

Autumn in Provence brings a special kind of magic – the olive harvest. Visitors can join in this centuries-old tradition, discovering the art of cultivating these precious fruits. You’ll wander through fragrant orchards, learn sustainable techniques, and savor the region’s flavors. But the real treat? Finishing the day with a refreshing apéritif by the pool, sharing stories of your olive-picking adventures. It’s an experience that immerses you in Provençal culture, leaving you with memories as rich as the olive oil itself.

Key Points

• Hands-on participation in traditional French olive harvesting in Provence, including gently picking olives and using provided tools.
• Guided tour of the estate’s diverse flora, including fruit trees, vineyards, beehives, Provençal herbs, and truffle trees.
• Insights into sustainable olive cultivation practices, including organic farming methods and meticulous pruning techniques.
• Opportunity to learn about the seasonal cycles of olive trees and the distinct flavor profiles of the estate’s olive varieties.
• Availability of wheelchair accessibility, recommended attire, and flexible start times, with a Provençal apéritif included in the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Experiencing the Olive Harvest

Visitors can look forward to a hands-on experience during the traditional French olive harvest. Over 3 hours, guests walk the property, learning about olive cultivation while hand-picking the coveted fruits.

The tour covers fruit trees, vineyards, beehives, Provençal herbs, and truffle trees. After the harvest, guests enjoy a hearty Provençal apéritif poolside, sampling the property’s red wine, homemade olive oil, truffle oil, and truffle salt.

The experience is fully immersive, with olive-picking tools provided and a live English-speaking guide. Whether a sunny day or cool season, this tour offers an authentic taste of Provence.

Exploring the Property

As guests arrive at the 549 chemin Les Pastras location, they’ll find themselves immersed in the heart of Provence’s rich agricultural landscape. A guided walking tour takes them through the property’s diverse features, including:

| Feature | Description |

|———|————-|

| Fruit Trees | Flourishing orchards producing a variety of seasonal fruits. |

| Vineyards | Rows of grapevines cultivated for the estate’s own red wine. |

| Beehives | Buzzing beehives providing honey and pollinating the surrounding flora. |

| Provençal Herbs | Fragrant beds of herbs like lavender, thyme, and rosemary. |

Throughout the tour, guests learn about the sustainable olive cultivation practices and have the opportunity to hand-pick olives themselves, immersing in the traditional harvest experience.

Hand-Picking Olives

After the informative property tour, guests eagerly make their way to the olive groves, armed with the olive-picking tools provided.

They learn the proper techniques for hand-picking olives:

• Gently grasp the olive branch and twist the fruit until it easily detaches from the stem.

• Place the olives in the provided baskets, being careful not to bruise them.

• Admire the vibrant green and purple hues of the freshly picked olives.

• Hear the satisfying crunch as guests add their bounty to the growing collection.

The rhythmic sound of olives dropping into the baskets fills the air, as guests enjoy this centuries-old tradition.

Learning About Olive Cultivation

During the property tour, the host Johann shares fascinating insights into the art of olive cultivation.

Guests learn about the olive trees’ seasonal cycles, from budding in spring to ripening in fall. Johann explains the meticulous pruning techniques that boost yields and the organic farming methods that nourish the soil.

He highlights the centuries-old olive varieties grown on the estate, each with its distinct flavor profile. Guests observe the careful hand-picking process, hearing how the olives are gently harvested to preserve their delicate aromas.

This hands-on experience provides a deeper appreciation for the labor-intensive yet rewarding work of olive farming.

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Enjoying the Provençal Apéritif

Following their immersive olive-picking experience, guests gather poolside to indulge in a hearty Provençal apéritif.

The spread includes:

• Property-made red wine, flowing freely

• Freshly pressed olive oil, drizzled over crusty bread

• Aromatic truffle oil and salt, elevating simple fare

• A chance to savor the fruits of the land alongside new friends

As they sip and nibble, guests bask in the sunny Provençal ambiance, appreciating the privilege of participating in centuries-old traditions.

It’s the perfect finale to a memorable day in the olive groves.

Tasting Local Delicacies

What better way to fully take in the flavors of Provence than by sampling the local delicacies on offer?

During the olive harvest experience, guests can indulge in a hearty Provençal apéritif poolside. This includes the property’s own red wine, homemade olive oil, truffle oil, and truffle salt – a true taste of the region.

Guests can sip, dip, and savor these artisanal products as they overlook the olive groves and vineyards that produced them. It’s the perfect way to round out an educational, hands-on exploration of Provençal agriculture and gastronomy.

Accessibility and Attire

The Provence olive harvest is an experience that’s accessible to a wide range of guests.

Wheelchair users can easily navigate the property and participate in the activities. As for attire, visitors are advised to dress according to the season, ensuring comfort and practicality.

Some key points to consider:

Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain. Bring sun protection and dress in light, breathable layers.

• Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.

• Bring sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

• Dress in light, breathable layers to accommodate changing weather conditions.

• Consider bringing a light jacket or sweater for cooler periods of the day.

Reserving Your Experience

Though reserving your spot for the Provence olive harvest experience is simple, there are a few key details to keep in mind.

You can choose from two start times – 10:30 AM or 2:00 PM. The activity lasts around 3 hours, with a hearty Provençal apéritif served midway.

Prices start at $34.80 per person. Conveniently, you can reserve and pay later. Just be sure to cancel at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The experience is wheelchair accessible, so everyone can enjoy the olive harvest and tasting. Don’t forget to dress appropriately for the season.

Ask Away

Can I Bring My Own Olive-Picking Tools?

You’re welcome to use the olive-picking tools provided, but you’re also free to bring your own if you prefer. The host wants you to have a comfortable and enjoyable experience during the traditional harvest.

Is There an Option to Extend the Experience Duration?

Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be an option to extend the 3-hour experience duration. The itinerary and included amenities are fixed. However, you could inquire with the host about adding more time or activities for an additional fee.

Do I Need to Pay a Deposit to Reserve the Experience?

The experience offers a "reserve now & pay later" option, so you don’t need to pay a deposit to secure your spot. Just make your reservation and take care of the full payment closer to the event date.

What Is the Minimum Group Size Required?

The experience doesn’t seem to have a minimum group size requirement. The description indicates that individual bookings are accepted, and there’s no mention of a minimum number of participants.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Children?

The activity doesn’t explicitly mention discounts for seniors or children. However, it’s best to check with the host about any applicable discounts when making the reservation, as they may offer special pricing for certain age groups.

Final Words

The Provence Olive Harvest offers a wonderful opportunity to take in the region’s rich agricultural traditions. Guests can expect to learn about sustainable olive cultivation, hand-pick the fruit, and savor a refreshing Provençal apéritif – all while surrounded by the area’s breathtaking natural beauty. It’s a truly memorable experience that captures the essence of this renowned gastronomic destination.

You can check availability for your dates here: