Maussane les Alpilles

Population: 2,003 inh.

Department of the Bouches du Rhône.

Nestled at the foot of the Alpilles mountain range, Maussane is an agreeable village in the vallée des Baux surrounded by vast olive plantations and superb countryside.

Although Maussane was situated on the ancient Roman road linking Arles to Aix, only a few remains can be seen today. Maussane's history is linked to the Baux de Provence where its inhabitants sought refuge in times of war. Maussane slowly gained independence and soon prospered thanks to its many springs and fertile farmland.

In the 1830s, Maussane possessed more than 650 hectares of olive trees and no less than 12 windmills or "moulins à huile" used to make olive oil.

Today Maussane and its neighbour, Mouries, are the most important olive oil producing areas in the country.

The first stop on the "route de l'olivier", Maussane has more than 37,000 olive trees. Its two windmills continue to produce oil of exceptional quality.

Do not leave Maussane without tasting this famous oil... to appreciate the taste simply drizzle a little on a piece of bread or on a small chunk of goat's cheese... accompanied by a slice of tomato you have a true "péché mignon"!

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