Local Produce from Provence

Discover the top Provence local produce

Updated 14 March 2022

The appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) is the certification granted by the French government to ensure that all wines, cheese and certain agricultural products are produced in the region of their origin, in the traditional manner, using specific ingredients.

For example a sparkling white wine may only be called a Champagne if it is produced in the Champagne region of France using specific grapes; and a Beaufort cheese may only bear that name if it has been made from the milk of Tarentaise or Abondance cows in the region of Beaufort in the time-honoured fashion.

There is a strict labelling policy which means that only items that adhere to the guidelines can bear the AOC seal on its label or rind. This ensures a certain amount of quality control and protects the heritage of many quintessentially French products.

Calissons from Provence

These sweets are made from a paste of candied fruits, normally oranges and melons, topped with a thin layer of royal icing.

French Cheese from Provence

The vast majority of cheeses that are made in Provence are goats cheese. Most of the goats graze in the north of the region in the foothills of the Alps, and produce a wide range of fresh & mild goats cheese, plus stronger editions that have been aged.

French Truffles from Provence

Provence used to produce 1000 tonnes of truffles each year. Now, thanks to deforestation and a focus on vineyards, the production is down to 30-60 tonnes, which is around 80% of all the truffles produced in France.

Fruit & Vegetables from Provence

Provence is the top region in France for fruit and vegetables, growing over half of the nations produce.

Melon de Cavaillon

Well known for this tasty fruit the most popular melon to come from Cavaillon is in fact the cantaloupe, a small round melon with green stripes on the outside and rich orange flesh inside.

Montelimar Nougat

Nougat has been made in this region since the 17th century when almond trees were first planted in the area, in the northern part of Provence.

Olives from Provence

Established in Provence by the Greeks, the olive tree has become a staple ingredient of life in the south of France.

Pastis - The Spirit of Provence

If you imagine a typical Provencal scene where local villagers are playing boules whilst a collection of characters watch from under the shade of some plane trees, it is likely that they will all be drinking Pastis.

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