Ollioules Ode to village life
Between nature and Provencal history
Concentrated around its historic center, Ollioules evokes the image of a picturesque village. Yet it has all the makings of a large town. Proud of its rich medieval heritage, Ollioules carefully preserves its ancestral traditions , while looking resolutely to the future. Surrounded by forested areas ideal for reconnecting with nature, and located just a few minutes from the nearby beaches, Ollioules charms visitors with its Provencal spirit.
Ollioules celebrates
The village revolves around the main square, where many festive events take place throughout the year: the soup festival in January, the corso fleuri and arts and crafts days in spring, the halles gourmandes, guinguettes and lively folk dances in summer, and of course the famous Olive Festival in autumn. Ollioules loves to welcome visitors to celebrate these convivial moments, as well as to rediscover its gentle village life between each festive occasion.
A journey down memory lane
At the foot of the remains of the feudal castle and around theSaint-Laurent church, the commune’s history and know-how are showcased in various museums and art centers: archaeological discoveries from theoppidum of La Courtine at the Bottin-Layet museum, local agriculture at the Musée de la Fleur, artists at the Mano x Alto arts and crafts center or at the Galerie de l’Olivier… As for the Maison du Patrimoine, it records the cultural heritage of all the communes of the Metropole – combining collectors’ items and virtual technologies – from Antiquity to the present day.
Frequently asked questions
Quels sont les jours de marché à Ollioules ?
In Ollioules, Provencal market stalls are set up every Thursday and Saturday morning from 8am to 12:30pm in the town center. The local farmers’ market takes place on Mondays and Fridays all year round (except public holidays) in the late afternoon in the station area (times vary according to season).
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Peut-on visiter des musées à Ollioules ?
À Ollioules, les musées dévoilent l’histoire de la commune et son patrimoine agricole. De la Maison du Patrimoine au moulin de Palisson, en passant par le musée de la fleur, le voyage se prolonge au musée de l’école publique, au musée de la serrure et à l’espace Mano Alto, dédié aux métiers d’art et à la création locale.
Quelle spécialités locales peut-on goûter à Ollioules ?
Taste a piece of hot cade in the market, enjoy a “pointu”, bite into an orange blossom navette, or let yourself be intoxicated by the scent of honey from the artisanal nougat factory. A visit to the Domaine de Terrebrune, renowned for its Bandol wine, will give you the opportunity to taste a bottle of this precious nectar. Spirulina, an algae with immense therapeutic and nutritional virtues, is also cultivated in the station area. All these products can be found directly from producers, at markets or in delicatessens.
Quelles sont les balades et randonnées à faire à Ollioules ?
In Ollioules town center, “heritage walks” (arts and crafts trail, medieval city circuit, Canal des Arrosants, periurban hiking…) combine discovery of the village with short strolls. Around town, you can hike in the Gros Cerveau massif, or to the heights of Châteauvallon and the Gorges du Destel, criss-crossed by the GR 51 hiking trail.
Focus on
Châteauvallon, national stage
Founded in 1964 in the heart of a 200-hectare forest, Châteauvallon is a cultural mecca located in Ollioules. Its remarkable architecture includes an open-air amphitheater that can accommodate over 1,100 spectators, as well as a 400-seat indoor theater.
This exceptional site has been home to world-renowned artists from a wide range of disciplines. From Maurice Béjart to La Horde, from Joan Baez to Joël Pommerat, Châteauvallon continues to write its history through exceptional festivals and shows.