A family’s love for the olive
A stone’s throw from Camping Arleblanc, in the south of the Ardèche, lies a hidden gem: L’Oliveraie de la Bastide. This family business is a paradise for lovers of pure, local products.
L’Oliveraie de la Bastide: A sensory journey among ancient olive trees
Stroll among the silvery-green leaves of ancient olive trees and discover the genuine craftsmanship of Richard and Catherine Boucant. On their sun-drenched estate, they share their passion for the land and nature. Here, they produce not only the renowned Rougette d’Ardèche olive oil but also artisanal, golden-hued honey, gathered by bees that forage in the rich, local wildflower meadows. A visit to L’Oliveraie de la Bastide is a complete sensory experience: breathe in the aroma of freshly pressed olives, taste the fruity, complex notes of the oil, and let the velvety-smooth honey melt slowly on your tongue. It is the perfect place to find an authentic souvenir, gather inspiration for Mediterranean-style cooking, or simply enjoy the pure tranquility of the Southern French countryside.
Olive groves in the heart of a diverse and sun-drenched landscape
The estate’s plots are spread across two distinctive regions: the southern Ardèche and the northern Gard. This deliberate distribution across various microclimates allows Richard and Catherine to achieve a balanced and consistent harvest each season, despite the natural fluctuations inherent in olive cultivation. Amidst breathtaking landscapes—featuring limestone plateaus and sun-drenched hills—a variety of classic olive cultivars thrive. The groves are home to, among others, the Picholine, Aglandau, Négrette, Bouteillan, Rougette d’Ardèche, Caillon, Lucques, and Tanche varieties. Each variety brings its own distinct character and specific flavor profile, resulting in balanced and refined blends.
Craftsmanship from harvest to cold pressing
Quality and freshness are at the very heart of the production process. Through partnerships with professional, certified mills, we ensure that our hand-picked olives are cold-pressed within twenty-four hours of harvest. The harvest begins in late October, while the olives are still green; this early picking yields a vibrant, fresh, and fruity extra virgin olive oil. These early-harvest oils are naturally exceptionally rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, which translates into a characteristic, slightly peppery finish—a perfect complement to raw vegetables, grilled produce, and fish dishes. Olives harvested later in the season, around the end of December, produce a rounder, more mellow, and fruity oil with gentle notes that harmonize beautifully with delicate dishes. To guarantee impeccable purity and the “Extra Virgin” designation, every vintage undergoes rigorous laboratory analysis.
Practical information and visits
The farm shop at L’Oliveraie de la Bastide welcomes visitors year-round to discover our various vintages and honey varieties. For those wishing to delve deeper into the production process, comprehensive guided tours and curated tastings can be arranged by appointment. L’Oliveraie de la Bastide, 772, Chemin de Chalamelas, 07150 Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, Phone: 00336 73 36 77 49. Click for more information.
