Olives

Imported by the Greeks 2500 years ago, the olive tree of Provence is one of the symbols of its landscapes. Everywhere you will recognize its low gnarly trunk and its narrow green leaves. When a tree becomes a hundred years old, its trunk disappears and new shoots appear at the base, making it immortal.

olive grove trees provence

Olive trees live in a very dry environment, which makes their wood very strong and suitable for woodcarving and cabinet-making. Many kitchens in Provence are adorned with spatulas and other objects made of this wood, which is yellow-veined and brown when polished.

In summer, the tree's light and thick foliage supplies fresh shade and an esthetic that many painters have tried to fix on canvas. Most Provençal olive trees produce olives that are pressed for oil, but one tree in ten is harvested for table olives. Olives are essential to Provence---that is why we drew the contour of an olive for the contour of the life in Provence logo.

This page presents our retail olives. For restaurants and store sizes, please click here.

Niçoise Olives

niçoise olives provence

As their name indicates, Niçoise olives originate from the Provençal region of Nice. Twice a year, men and women gather under the olive trees, where ladders are raised and fruits are handpicked. After a hard day's work, friends often share a bowl of Niçoise olives accompanied by a glass of Pastis as they watch the sun go down in the timeless moments preceding dinner. We carry these olives both unpitted and pitted.

Oil-Cured Black Olives with Herbes de Provence

black olives provence

This is a Provençal classic. Before your first bite, you can already taste Provence because of the herbes de Provence they have soaked in. The fruit's juicy flesh marries perfectly with the herbs. Thes olives are also great to flavor pasta or garnish dishes---chicken, fish, you name it. If you choose not to pit them, don't forget to tell your guests!

Green Picholine Olives

These olives are are picked before they mature: that's why they are green. Mild and nutty, they make beautiful toppings for main courses. With Niçoise olives and oil-cured olives with herbs, they form a "Provençal olive trinity" often found together in appetizer bowls before meals.

Lucques Olives

This unique variety of French olives is hand-picked in the region of Provence Languedoc in September. They have a light nutty taste, a crescent shape and a bright green color. Their gentle flavor can remind of fresh almonds and avocados.