Gourmet Festival of Olive Oil in Ventoux

The Gourmet Festival of Olive Oil in Ventoux: A Terroir in Celebration

Every autumn, the village of Villes-sur-Auzon, nestled at the foot of Mont Ventoux at the entrance to the spectacular Gorges de la Nesque, celebrates one of the treasures of the Vaucluse terroir: Ventoux olive oil. This Gourmet Festival, free and open to all, is part of the Ventoux Saveurs Festival, supported by the Mont-Ventoux Regional Natural Park, and aims to showcase the diverse olive-growing know-how of the Ventoux foothills.

The event was born from the desire of local stakeholders—producers, olive growers, elected officials, and associations—to promote a millennia-old agricultural heritage that is too often unknown to visitors of the Ventoux. While this giant of Provence is universally known for its grandiose landscapes and cycling reputation, its olive groves and oil mills constitute an equally exceptional living heritage, of which the AOP Ventoux olive oil is the most accomplished expression.

A Rich Program Between Tradition and Gastronomy

The day is organized around several highlights that punctuate the hours from 10 am to 6 pm in the village of Villes-sur-Auzon. In the morning, the "Auzon Consommer Local" producer market brings together over 70 exhibitors—olive growers, market gardeners, cheesemakers, winemakers, beekeepers, and craftspeople—who offer their products directly to the public. It's an opportunity to fill your basket with authentic Provençal flavors and meet the local stakeholders.

Olive oil tastings are at the heart of the program, with sessions led by the Groupement des Oléiculteurs de Vaucluse (Vaucluse Olive Growers Group), guiding visitors through the different organoleptic profiles of the oils produced on the slopes of Ventoux—from intense green fruity with herbaceous notes to softer, buttery ripe fruity. These tasting initiations, accessible to all levels, help visitors better understand and appreciate the complexity of quality olive oil.

The Disciples d'Escoffier in the Kitchen

The Chefs Disciples d'Escoffier, a renowned gastronomic association, lead culinary workshops and cooking demonstrations highlighting Ventoux olive oil. These educational and gourmet moments allow the general public to discover how to incorporate this exceptional product into everyday or gastronomic cooking. At noon and early afternoon, the tasting of the traditional aïoli prepared by the chefs is one of the day's highlights.

Provençal Brotherhoods and Ceremonies

The Gourmet Festival incorporates a typically Provençal ritual and ceremonial dimension with the participation of several brotherhoods in costume. At 10 am and 3 pm, a parade of brotherhoods to the sound of the galoubet and tambourin—the traditional instruments of Provence—crosses the village, creating a festive and colorful atmosphere reminiscent of Provençal village festivals. The Confrérie des chevaliers de l'olivier de Nyons, one of the oldest and most important, is a regular participant.

Conferences and Shared Knowledge

The educational dimension is central to the identity of the Gourmet Festival. Public conferences address themes related to olive tree cultivation, olive oil production, and the specificities of the Ventoux terroir each year. The 2025 edition featured two conferences: "Everything You Need to Know About Olive Trees in Ventoux: From Planting to the Mill" and a new conference on plateau legumes, with lentils and chickpeas being the guest products of honor for this edition.

Villes-sur-Auzon: A Village Between Ventoux and Nesque

Villes-sur-Auzon is a charming Provençal village perched on the first foothills of Mont Ventoux at an altitude of 380 meters, at the entrance to the Gorges de la Nesque, one of the most spectacular natural sites in the Vaucluse. Its medieval streets, Romanesque church, and shaded cafes provide an ideal setting for this terroir festival that honors the Provençal tradition of conviviality. The village is also renowned for its cherries in spring and its Ventoux regional wines.

Musical entertainment throughout the day is provided by Provençal music ensembles, creating the perfect soundscape to accompany tastings and strolls through the market aisles.