Few raw materials have been as typical of Saint Paul de Vence in the past as olive oil. Until the beginning of the 20th century, olive oil was used not only for cooking, but also as a lamp oil or for preserving food. In addition, because of the high production and quality, the locals could even afford to export olive oil, for example to Marseille.

In the past, there were several olive oil mills in this picturesque village. For example, contemporary records from 1730 show that Saint Paul boasted five oil mills!

Of course, that era is long gone, but if you want to go back in time, in Saint Paul de Vence you have the golden opportunity to visit one of the surviving olive oil mills, which was powered by water from the town’s aqueduct.

The mill is located on the Chemin Fontette, which can be reached by a nice walk, for example, from the Maeght Foundation in about 10 minutes.