Quintessential Provence: Discover Maussane-les-Alpilles & Paradou

Tucked at the foot of the Alpilles, Maussane is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, but those who linger here discover an authentic Provençal rhythm of life. Olive groves stretch to the horizon, café terraces hum with locals rather than tourists, and time seems to slow under the plane trees of the village square. Beyond its postcard charm, Maussane offers quiet treasures best discovered with a curious eye.

Hidden Gems to Explore:

• Olive Mills & Tastings – Step inside Moulin Jean-Marie Cornille, one of Provence’s most celebrated mills, where centuries-old presses still produce award-winning oils. Tastings reveal the depth of flavor that fuels Maussane’s reputation as the olive oil capital of France.
• Village Square Evenings – When the sun dips, locals gather at the Place Joseph Laugier de Monblan for pétanque, rosé, and unhurried conversation. Slip into a café chair here and you’ll feel woven into village life.
• Hidden Chapels – A short walk or bike ride beyond the center uncovers small Romanesque chapels nestled among vineyards and stone farmhouses—places where silence and history linger.
• Biking the Alpilles Trails – Skip the main roads and follow narrow paths that lead you past lavender fields, fig orchards, and secret picnic spots with views toward Les Baux-de-Provence.
• Sunday Market Finds – While Arles and Saint-Rémy boast big markets, Maussane’s Sunday market is delightfully intimate, with locals stocking up on honey, goat cheeses, and tapenades.

In Maussane, the luxury isn’t in grand spectacle but in these quiet encounters—moments that feel borrowed from another time, yet wholly your own.