For fabulous food themed holidays in France and gorgeous gites with an olive flavour – look no further, we’ve got you covered!
Divine olive vineyard visits
Olive trees have been grown in France for around 2,500 years. They were introduced by the Greeks who landed in Marseille, the oldest city in France. Homer called it “liquid gold” and the French took to it with enthusiasm. Where ever you go in the south, you’re bound to come across an olive tree and if you’re lucky a whole orchard full of them.
Like grapes, olives have a perfect picking moment. Just don’t eat them straight off the tree – they taste vile and will leave you wondering how it is possible that they can be transformed into something so good! They need to go through a process of soaking and curing first. Olive oil is at the heart of French cooking, ask any chef. The legendary Alain Ducasse said “If my cuisine were to be defined by just one taste, it would be that of subtle, aromatic, extra-virgin olive oil”. Olive oil from France, although a small producer compared to neighbours Spain and Italy, is amongst some of the best in terms of quality.
Sunshine and olives
Olive trees need loads of sunshine to flourish. And, in the Gard Department in the region of Occitania (formerly Languedoc-Roussillon) it’s said that the sun shines 360 days a year! Harvesting is done in September through October usually, but the timing is governed by the weather.
Take a look at our top picks for holiday homes with an olive flavour in the sunny Gard, inspiring and utterly irresistible!
3 Fabulous gites close to olive groves in the Gard
Gite Olivier Vers, Pont du Gard
Gite Olivier consists of three gorgeous gites and a stunning 18th century farmhouse. It’s set in two acres of beautiful gardens on the edge of a medieval village. Doesn’t that just make you want to pack your case and go there – right now?! Just 2km from the famous Pont du Gard, 200m from the beach and close to the must-see cities of Avignon, Uzes, Arles and Nimes as well as near several olive groves.
Contemporary House in Uzes
You don’t have to go far to find an olive grove in this stunning holiday home – there’s one in the garden! The beautiful architect designed Contemporary House is on the border of Uzès, set in the wooded canopy of Arpaillargues. Sleeping 6-8 people as a gite or B&B, you may find it hard to tear yourself away from the sensational house and fabulous gardens with salt water swimming pool. But, with magnificent Uzes just a stone’s throw away – you’ll have to try, and perhaps the classic French bikes available for use will tempt you!
Le Grenier, Lussan
This is one of those real wow places, breath-takingly beautiful surroundings and a 5* luxury gite – heavenly. Le Grenier is an ancient Provencal style house which sleeps 5. I’ts set in 8 acres of spectacular gardens and meadows at the foot of Lussan, officially one of the prettiest villages in France. 15 minutes from medieval Uzès, close to Avignon, Nîmes and the Pont du Gard. The, the Camargue and beaches of the Mediterranean, and the foothills of the mountains of the Ardèche and Cévennes are not far away. You are surrounded by the olive trees, sunflowers, poppies and lavender of Provence, and in the middle of truly beautiful countryside. This hidden gem is the perfect place to stay while discovering all that this blissfully unspoilt part of southern France has to offer. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or more of a culture vulture, Le Grenier is fantastically located.
