Mouriès
The Olive Grove Village
Mouriès is a charming Provençal village known for its olive groves and olive oil. Mouriès is also renowned for its historical heritage and typically Mediterranean landscapes.
To discover
in Mouriès
5 Reasons to Visit Mouriès
The numerous olive trees planted all around the town
The Mouriès Cooperative Mill, an oil mill still in operation
Its Church of Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur
Its many surrounding hiking trails
Its Camargue bullfighting arenas
On vacation in Mouriès
On vacation in Mouriès, you can enjoy the beautiful Provençal landscape by visiting the olive groves, tasting local products such as olive oil, and strolling through the charming village. You can also explore the surroundings by hiking in the Alpilles, visiting nearby historical sites like Les Baux-de-Provence, or exploring the Camargue. Quite a program!
Summer Holidays
It is virtually impossible to dissociate the south of France from its olive production. Well, Mouriès is the largest producer with no fewer than 90,000 olive trees planted on its land!
Proclaimed the olive capital of Provence, Mouriès is also renowned for the quality of its oil, much of which is still made with traditional millstones, giving the product a unique taste.
But olives and oil are not the only products for which Mouriès has been rewarded. Among these (among others), it also boasts two AOC wine designations (Coteaux-d’Aix-en-Provence and Les-Baux-de-Provence) and one AOC beef designation (Taureau de Camargue). The town has also received the “Ciéuta Mistralenco” label from Félibrige, an organization dedicated to defending and protecting Provençal culture. This label is awarded to cities that protect, promote, and integrate Provençal language and culture into their policies.
"Your vacation home
near Mouriès"
- 10 pers.
- Heated pool, Fitness
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On rainy days, you can try visiting an unusual religious site for the region: the Protestant temple, built on Bonaparte's order, which opened its doors in 1824.
Golf Courses Nearby
Places to Visit in Mouriès
Mouriès is dotted with many points of interest, all more remarkable than the others. Whether large or small, man-made or natural, they all carry a part of the town’s identity.
Family Vacation
The Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur Church in Mouriès was completed in 1782, as indicated by the date carved at its summit.
Built to replace a previous chapel of the same name, this building suffered greatly during the French Revolution, with its religious services even being banned. However, the persistence of Father Riousset allowed it to fully reopen seven years later.
The most modern part of the building is its square bell tower. Originally more “bulbous” in shape, it was unfortunately destroyed in the 1909 earthquake and rebuilt as it is today.
Inside, you will find numerous paintings and statues, products of craftsmanship from bygone eras. Even though the building is of classical Romanesque architecture, its interior is sure to impress you and your family.
Romantic Getaway
Want to visit an olive oil mill? Head to the Moulin Coopératif de Mouriès, the result of over a century of good relations among its members, both past and present!
Originally called the Moulin du Mas-Neuf, it dates back to 1624, when oil production required human power to operate the gigantic presses. Due to the laborious nature of the work, only 50 tons of olives could be processed into oil per year, thanks to the day and night work of a team of 10 people.
The Cooperative was formed and purchased the mill in 1920. The installation of electricity and the use of tractors made the millstone, an instrument that turns olives into a paste from which the oil is extracted, obsolete. One of the three used by the mill is still visible in front of the entrance.
Over the years, the mill’s functionality has continued to modernize and increase its productivity, leading the Cooperative to purchase a second mill. If you want to learn everything about olive oil production, don’t hesitate to visit this mill. And be sure to check out the shop on your way out!
Vacation with Your Dog
To the north of the village, a marked trail will lead you to the oppidum of Les Caisses de Jean-Jean, a settlement inhabited from the 4th century BC to the end of the 3rd century AD. This trail will allow you to enjoy the countryside with your four-legged companion and will take you past olive trees and vineyards along the way.
Venir à Mouriès
Mouriès is crossed by the D17 and the D24.
To visit Provence, the most recommended airports are Marseille, Montpellier, and Nice.
From the Arles SNCF train station, bus line 702 goes to Mouriès. The nearest TGV train station is Avignon TGV.
Bike paths are scattered throughout the municipality, suitable for both beginners and experienced cyclists.
Nearby towns to Aix-en-Provence
- Aureille: About 6 kilometers.
- Maussane-les-Alpilles: About 6 kilometers.
- Saint-Martin-de-Crau: About 7 kilometers.
- Paradou: About 8 kilometers.
- Eygalières: About 10 kilometers.
Time in Provence has selected the best restaurants in the region for you.
History, Traditions, and Culture
The Gallic history of the town is the most well-known, thanks to the oppidum located not far from the village.
It is highly probable that Celto-Ligurian tribes settled around the 7th or 6th centuries BC and began constructing the robust oppidum. Being close economic partners with Arles, the buildings quickly evolved into a copy of Greek architectural style.
The oldest trace of the town comes from a 13th-century map, copied from an older Roman map, which indicates a village called Tericias (Tericiae). However, given the difference between the Roman town name and Mouries, some believe that the name might actually refer to the remains of the oppidum during the time it was still inhabited.
Among the many traditions of the region, one of the most original is the “Festo dou Riban” (Festival of the Ribbon). During these celebrations, marked by various Camargue bullfights, feasts, and parades, the Ribbon Queen is elected, who will be the right-hand of the Queen of Arles for a year. To be elected, the young woman must have a sufficient knowledge of the history and traditions of Provence and speak Provençal fluently.