Invitation for an Epicurean Journey

In the heart of Provence, on the footsteps of the "Regagnas", where the territories of Auriol, Trets, La Bouilladise and Saint-Zacharie meet, lays the  Domaine « La Michelle », a paradise for vines and olive trees that have been cultivated here for three generations.  Today, Nelly and Jean-François Margier lead the domain with passion, rehabilitating the landscape and preserving a tradition of high quality provencal products.

The driving principle is the respect of the environment and the local ecosystems, with the application of organic agriculture.  The domain belong since 1995 to the network of the « Fermes de rencontres FARRE ». It was the first olive tree plantation in France to be certified in sustainable agriculture, in 2004.  Today, the domain works strictly under organic farming principles. Soon the products will be labeled "Certified Organic".

The vines grow on "restanques" the typical terraces of Provence, in a clay / limestone soil.  At an altitude of 1000 feet, the vines benefit from a perfect, southern exposure and a good wind that allows for a natural, healthy culture.

On 4 hectares / 10 acres of those hills, you will also find about 1700 olive trees.  Initially they were only 400, but today the success of our products has convinced us to invest in planting sufficient trees to satisfy all our customers.  The olive harvest happens between October and December.

Recently, capers have return.  It was a traditional product of the Auriol region but was abandonned a century ago.  Nelly and Jean-François have reintroduced them.

 Here is a slide show of the activities at the domain as seasons go.

All the domain's products are available for sale at the Olive Mill Store, in Auriol