The Opio olive oil mill
Since 1848, this mill located 7 minutes from our lodgings has been the pride of our territory.
The Moulin d’Opio is part of our agricultural landscape and has been managed by Mr. Michel’s family for 7 generations.
In the past, this oil mill operated using the waters of the Brague.
Now modern, it runs on electricity and is equipped to obtain the best possible oil.
The Moulin d'Opio and its olive grove
The Michel family began cultivating a beautiful organic olive grove. They are truly passionate.
Personally, I like to advise our visitors to go and enjoy an interesting free tour of this mill and not to miss the tastings of the different oils and olives. The Michel family adapts as well to groups of visitors as to individuals, families or couples, in French or English. They are great!
In fact, in the Alpes-Maritimes department, the Opio mill is one of the last traditional oil mills in our department. They can now be counted on the fingers of one hand.
My guilty pleasure? Their olis. Which ones? All. I love the flavored oils that they make themselves using macerates. The lemon flavored oil makes me escape to Menton, the orange flavored oil reminds me of my orange trees in Bar sur Loup, the fennel flavored oil evokes memories of my mother’s kitchen, the basil and garlic flavored oil is a wonderful hymn to Provence, the truffle flavored oil will delight lovers of good food and finally the thyme and rosemary flavored oil is an ode to Pagnol’s mountains. I also love their wonderful AOP Nice virgin olive oil for which the Moulin d’Opio wins the gold medal every year at the Concours Général Agricole in Paris.
Often, the problem is that the Moulin d’Opio is a victim of its own success and by the time the new harvest arrives, this oil is in such demand by enthusiasts that stocks are at their lowest.
Then there is also the extra-fruity virgin oil and the extra-sweet oil, the first of which appeals more to men and is made with olives harvested at the beginning of the season. Finally, the last is organic extra virgin oil, a characterful oil made from Aglandau variety olives.
AOP Nice olive oils
The Moulin d'Opio boutique
Then, in their shop, we discover a real Ali-Baba’s cave.
In the spotlight of Nice olives, from the cailletier olive tree, sold in brine in bags of 200 and 500 grams, it is a treat.
Finally, there are different tapenades, green and black, and olive paste.
Our local products are a treat on toast or to enhance a dish.
Anyway, I’ll stop.
I could still tell you about their very good selection of regional products and artisanal items: essential oils, perfumes, olive oil soaps, olive wood items, etc.
Enjoy your visit to Moulin d’Opio, I gave you the address but please don’t buy everything, let me go!
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