Fête de l'Olivier

The olive tree, king of Minervois

Since 1996, the Fête de l'Olivier has celebrated the emblematic tree of the Mediterranean in the heart of Minervois every year. Organized by the olive cooperative L'Oulibo, located in the hamlet of Cabezac in Bize-Minervois, this festive day highlights the ancestral know-how of the region's olive growers and the richness of olive products. L'Oulibo, founded in 1942, is one of the largest olive cooperatives in the south of France, recognized for the quality of its olive oils and table olives, particularly the famous Lucques du Languedoc.

A local market in the heart of the village

On the last Sunday of July, the center of the village of Bize-Minervois and the surroundings of the L'Oulibo cooperative are transformed into a vast market of regional products and artisanal crafts. Local producers present their specialties: olive oils, tapenades, marinated olives, honeys, cheeses, Minervois wines, jams, and artisanal pastries. Artisans display their creations inspired by the Mediterranean terroir. The whole event is enlivened by regional music that sets the rhythm of the day.

The aïoli competition and tastings

A highlight of the day, the traditional aïoli competition pits amateurs and enthusiasts of this iconic sauce of the Midi against each other. Visitors can also participate in commented olive oil tastings by experts, discover the subtleties of different varieties (Lucques, Olivière, Picholine), and learn to recognize the characteristic aromas of extra virgin olive oil. Minervois wine tastings complete this gustatory exploration.

Guided tours of the cooperative and olive heritage

Throughout the day, guided tours of the L'Oulibo cooperative allow visitors to discover the stages of olive oil production, from the mill to the storage vats, including the table olive confiserie line. The Odyssée de l'Olive, L'Oulibo's permanent museum trail, retraces the millennia-old history of the olive tree in the Mediterranean. These tours offer a unique insight into a living heritage that is the pride of Minervois.