Ollioules: Fête de l’olivier

Ollioules is a small town in Var next to Toulon. It was first a small village in the middle ages. The old city, it’s heart and soul, still retains old houses and small alleyways from those tumultuous times. An old ruined Chateau looks high from above. Ollioules is situated at the mouth of an impressive limestone gorge. It was actually the only road between Toulon and Marseille back in the days.

The history of this village is rich and exciting including a medieval Jewish neighborhood and one young Napoleon who made a name for himself here. But this isn’t the subject for today.

The serious business of olive oil

Let’s talk about Ollioule’s greatest festival which happens the first weekend in October ever year to celebrate the Olive tree and all things olives. Why? Because Ollioules takes its name from Oliva, Olivier, and the city’s coat of arms is an olive tree, the honored tree of Provence. Ollioules has a long history of olive oil making and it is said her olive oil reached as far as Alexandria in Egypt (thanks to Napoleon?).

The olive, is widely used by local artisans in the manufacturing of olive oil, but also in tapenade, or to eaten with garlic, fennel, etc … The “Fête of the Olive Tree” is an opportunity to discover or rediscover the cultivation and significance of the olive tree. On a side note, just to make you understand how important the olive tree is here, all new born Ollioules babies receive their own baby olive tree to plant.

An olive tree for each resident taken care by the important association “Friends of the Olive Tree”.

The biggest event of the year

For two days, the city is decorated with olive trees, olive branches and all things olive. The old city is closed to traffic and this small place offers thousands of visitors a lesson in Provencal traditions. Provençal folk groups animate the streets with the sound of the galoubets and tambourines. Traditional dance shows are also on the program for the festivities.

From one stall to another, you can explore the old city, and all your senses will be awakened by these exhibitions of Provençal heritage. You will of course find olives for sale, with tastings and all kinds of olive oil goodies to spread your baguette with.

Beside these stands, you will also find artisans offering Provençal specialties such as candied fruits, olive wood carvings, Provençal biscuits, santons de Provence, Provence honey, fig-based products, cheeses, sausages, and of course the famous nougat. Provençal gastronomy is not the only specialty to be present. We can also find Marseille soaps, lavender essential oils, paintings on canvas, toys for children. Workshops are offered from pottery to chocolate candy making, and the famous aioli making competition. Over one hundred stands are present and perhaps it is better you view the gallery below as a picture is worth a thousand words!

If it is not clear enough, this is where I live. I hope next time you are in the region you visit Ollioules, preferably in my company.