Provence Olive Harvest

Discover the Authentic Provence Olive Harvest Experience

The Provence Olive Harvest tour offers a hands-on journey into centuries-old traditions of olive farming in the South of France. For $37 per person, participants spend three hours enjoying organically hand-picked olives, learning about olive trees, and savoring local flavors. This experience is perfect for those interested in authentic agricultural practices and Provençal cuisine, with an emphasis on community and tradition.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Les Pastras in Cadenet, this tour combines educational insights with delicious local food and wine. The tour starts at either 10:30 or 14:00, making it flexible to fit into your travel plans. While transportation is not included, the meeting point at 549 chemin Les Pastras is easy to locate for visitors staying nearby.

The experience also emphasizes learning about olive trees, from pruning and planting to harvesting and olive oil production. Guests get to pick olives by hand in the warm autumn sun—an activity that offers both pleasure and a connection to local agricultural traditions. After the harvest, enjoy a hearty Provençal apéritif with Les Pastras red wine, complemented by tastings of olive oil, truffle oil, and truffle salt.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Hands-on olive picking: Pick olives directly from the trees, gaining insight into traditional harvesting methods.
• Educational tour: Learn about olive tree cultivation, pruning, planting, and oil-making from knowledgeable guides.
• Local flavors: Savor a Provençal apéritif with all-you-care-to-drink red wine and sample olive oil, truffle oil, and truffle salt.
• Scenic setting: Enjoy the stunning views of olive groves, vineyards, herbs, and truffle trees at Les Pastras.
• Accessible experience: The tour is wheelchair accessible and uses olive-picking equipment provided on site.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, with the option to reserve now and pay later.

Starting at Les Pastras in Cadenet

This tour departs from 549 chemin Les Pastras in Cadenet, a location within the South of France that offers a peaceful setting for this rural experience. The meeting point is easy to find for travelers staying in the area or arriving by car. Participants should dress according to the season to stay comfortable while walking and working outdoors.

The tour includes olive-picking equipment and drinks and lunch, with no extra cost for these activities. Guests should note that transportation to the meeting point is not included, so planning for local travel or transfers is recommended.

Engaging Itinerary with a Rich Mix of Activities

The experience begins at 10:30 or 14:00, with a walk through the property. Guides lead you through the fruit trees, vineyards, beehives, herbs, and truffle trees, providing a comprehensive view of the estate’s agricultural diversity.

Next, the core activity involves picking olives by hand in the autumn sun. During this process, guides share detailed knowledge about olive pruning, planting, harvesting, and oil production, making the activity both educational and enjoyable.

After the harvest, the group gathers poolside to enjoy a hearty Provençal apéritif, including homemade olive oil, truffle oil, and truffle salt. This part of the experience offers a relaxed atmosphere with all-you-care-to-drink red wine, allowing guests to reflect on what they’ve learned and sampled.

The Art of Olive and Truffle Tasting

Participants get the chance to sample olive oil, truffle oil, and truffle salt, which showcase the local flavors of Provence. These tastings enhance the culinary aspect of the tour and provide authentic regional tastes.

The olive oil sampled is homemade, emphasizing the small-scale, artisanal approach of Les Pastras. The inclusion of truffle products underscores the area’s reputation for truffle hunting and gourmet ingredients. Guests enjoy these flavors poolside with a view that captures the essence of Provençal rural life.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Role of the Guide and Educational Focus

The tour is led by an English-speaking live guide known for their extensive experience and detailed explanations. One highly praised guide is Johann, who shares insights into olives, truffles, and farming practices in a way that makes the experience engaging and accessible.

Guides like Johann help connect visitors with the history and techniques behind olive harvesting, making the activity more than just a hands-on experience but also an educational journey into Provençal agriculture.

Scenic Views and Rural Charm

Throughout the tour, the views of olive groves and surrounding landscapes provide a stunning backdrop. The estate offers a peaceful setting with a view of the olive groves where the harvest takes place. Guests find the environment relaxing and ideal for learning and tasting in a natural setting.

The poolside apéritif not only provides refreshment but also enhances the relaxing countryside ambiance. The scenic landscape is a highlight that complements the hands-on activity and tasting sessions.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

This experience is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a variety of guests. The olive-picking equipment is provided, and the tour is designed to be comfortable and manageable for most participants.

Guests should dress according to the season, as outdoor activity is a key component. Since transportation is not included, visitors should plan their own travel arrangements to reach the meeting point at Les Pastras.

Flexibility and Booking Options

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind for travelers uncertain about their plans. Booking is flexible, with the option to reserve now and pay later, allowing for easy planning amid other travel arrangements.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour the Most?

This olive harvest experience appeals most to food lovers, curious travelers, and those interested in traditional farming practices. It suits visitors looking for a relaxed, authentic activity that combines learning, tasting, and scenic views.

It’s particularly well-suited for people who enjoy hands-on activities and want to deepen their understanding of olive oil and truffle products from Provence. The relaxed pace and picturesque setting make it an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful, educational escape in rural France.

Provence Olive Harvest: An Authentic and Flavorful Experience in Cadenet

This tour combines educational insights, delicious tastings, and scenic views to offer a genuine taste of Provençal life. The hand-picking activity is a chance to connect with age-old traditions, while the local food and wine enrich the experience.

While transportation is a consideration, the value and intimacy of the estate make this a rewarding outing for those eager to learn about olive cultivation and regional flavors. The knowledgeable guide and beautiful setting provide a memorable glimpse into the agricultural heritage of Provence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the Provence Olive Harvest tour?
The tour costs $37 per person.

How long does the experience last?
The activity lasts three hours, starting at either 10:30 or 14:00.

What is included in the tour?
Guests enjoy drinks and lunch, olive-picking equipment, and tastings of olive oil, truffle oil, and truffle salt.

Where does the tour meet?
The meeting point is 549 chemin Les Pastras in Cadenet.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation is not included; participants need to arrange their own travel to Les Pastras.

Is the experience accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I wear?
Guests should dress according to the season for outdoor activities.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby