THE “ROUTES DES SAVEURS”:

DISCOVERING THE OLIVE PRODUCERS OF THE CÔTE D’AZUR

In the Alpes-Maritimes region, olive producers are the guardians of a cultural heritage preserved for centuries. From Châteauneuf-Grasse to L’Escarène via Valbonne and Le Rouret, the “Routes des Saveurs” (Flavour Routes) take us to discover the heart of olive growing in this region, where the art of cultivating olive trees is much more than an agricultural practice, but a true expression of local identity.

EXPERTISE THAT MAKES THE REGION FAMOUS

Olives: the elixir of the south

On the Côte d’Azur, the secret to successful olive oil lies in the expert hands of local producers. Heirs to a thousand-year-old tradition, these enthusiasts grow their olive trees with a deep love of the land and genuine respect for nature.

From harvesting to maturity, pressing and extraction, all stages are completed with care so as not to alter the aromas and guarantee this yellow gold is preserved to best effect.

Their commitment to preserving biodiversity, the quality of their products and passing down their ancestral values, sometimes from generation to generation, makes the olive growers of the Côte d’Azur essential players in the prosperity and reputation of olive growing around the world.

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ALL THE REGION’S RICHES IN THE SPOTLIGHT

The slopes and hills of the Alpes-Maritimes form a striking landscape which is perfect for growing olive trees. The diversity of soils and microclimates gives real uniqueness to this region, where the olive is king.

Each plot of land has its own unique characteristics, producing olives of remarkable quality. It’s precisely this variability that’s reflected in the rich, complex palette of flavours of local olive oil, its olive pastes or simply olives from Nice.

On these steep slopes, the terraces rise up naturally, inviting us to share the exciting stories of these craftsmen and women of taste who invite us to enjoy a deeply immersive sensory experience.

DISCOVER THE MOST WONDERFUL OLIVE ESTATES AND FARMS

The “Route des Saveurs” experience provides a special opportunity to meet directly with the producers who grow the fruit.

From Grasse to Breil-sur-Roya and Carros, Colomars and La Trinité, more than ten estates and farms such as Domaine de Peyrebelle, Oli d’Aqui, Domaine de la Source, Oliveraie de la Sirole, Domaine des Prés Fleuris and Domaine Gasiglia open their doors for a visit and a tasting.

Along the way, fans of olive oil and local products can discover the secrets of olive growing, harvesting methods, and production techniques for these renowned olive oils.

These tastings are a great opportunity to awaken your taste buds, so everyone can appreciate the diversity of flavours and aromas specific to each estate.

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THE “HUILE D’OLIVE DE NICE” AND “OLIVE DE NICE” protected designation of origin

On the Côte d’Azur, the quality of these olive oils can be recognised by their AOP Huile d’olive de Nice and AOP Olive de Nice protected designation of origin certification, which also guarantees their geographical origin. The Syndicat Interprofessionnel de l’Olive de Nice (Interprofessional Olive Union of Nice) also eagerly defends these AOPs/PDOs, covering a collective of 102 members, including olive growers, millers and confectioners, covering 99 of the department’s towns.

In this way, AOP Huile d’olive de Nice guarantees this olive oil is produced according to rigorous criteria covering quality, origin and production method. The olives used for this appellation (designation) are often varieties typical of the region, such as Cailletier. As a result, the oil obtained benefits from typical features and a flavour that reflects the specific growing lands of the Alpes-Maritimes.

AOP Olive de Nice places its emphasis on table olives. Olives that come under this designation are grown and prepared according to strict standards to ensure their exceptional quality. The different varieties of olives used, such as Nicéenne, add to the diversity of flavours and textures of these table olives.

RECOGNITION AT THE CONCOURS GÉNÉRAL AGRICOLE

Established for the last 35 years in Grasse, in an estate of 800 old Cailletier olive trees grown organically, Gérard Ferry produces AOP Huile d’olive de Nice with a wide aromatic palette: a primary aroma of almond and secondary aromas of raw artichoke, broom flowers, hay and lemony notes. Over time, these characteristics change towards aromas of ripe apple and dried fruits such as hazelnut or almond, with a slight spicy note and hint of bitterness. The latter won the prestigious Gold Medal at the Concours Général Agricole de Paris 2023 (General Agricultural Competition).

As for Alziari olive oil, an emblem of the region, it won the bronze medal at the Concours Général Agricole 2023, demonstrating the exceptional quality of Alziari olive oil, the fruit of traditional know-how preserved with passion. These distinctions help consolidate the reputation of olive growing in the Alpes-Maritimes, raising it as a paragon of French agricultural heritage.