For this new episode of the "we tested for you" series, we had the chance to experience a truly gourmet experience: a visit to an old olive oil mill. So, get ready, because we're going to tell you everything in great detail. Let's head to the Moulin du Partégal in La Farlède in the Var region, right next to Toulon!
The Moulin du Partégal: Toulon know-how
First, let's talk about the location. After approximately 35 minutes by car and after leaving the Toulon motorway, we arrived in the charming village of Farlède. The Old Oil Mill of Partégal is easy to find: it is located right next to the municipal olive grove. Coincidence? I do not believe !
So, although the mill team does not use these protected trees located a few meters away, it is a safe bet that this fruit-growing environment made the bosses want to settle here. Thus, it is between the Coudon hill and a century-old orchard that we find The Old Oil Mill of Partégal. A institution of the Toulon hinterland, created in the 16th century.
Here, everything is in its original form (no pun intended). Roman ruins are intact, the stone press is still in use, the building itself is magnificent, like a Provençal farmhouse. And it is in this almost historic place that we were welcomed for a superb visit.
Historic visit to an oil mill
The discovery started outside the mill, with an explanation of its history. A family farm, passed down from generation to generation and which, over the years, has built a solid reputation on the finest restaurants in France. After surveying the remains of an aqueduct and learning more about the place, we headed towards the old press.
This stone and wood monster, still active today thanks to the support of local residents, is simply spectacular. Olive pressing, deciphering oil colors, and advice on how to choose the right product in-store were all covered. Enough to leave with a solid foundation in olive growing. Spoiler alert : some national brands all share the same foreign supplier… We say that, we say nothing.
Good to know : at the Partégal Mill, everything is designed for ecology and anti-wasteThe vegetation water and the skins from pressing the olives are used as fertilizer for their olive trees. As for the pits, after being cooked and then crushed, they serve as fuel to heat the workshop. An important virtuous circle!
Tasting of Var olive oils
After the theory, it's time for practice, or rather, for indulgence, to be honest. And it's a tasting that the team offers us with a presentation of their entire rangeVirgin oils, flavored oils, some award-winning, not to mention creative vinegars and other products, each as delicious as the next. It's quite simple: with every spoonful savored, an item was added to our shopping list.
Yes, because the mill, in addition to being an educational place, is also a shop. And what a store… To give you an idea, I myself left with a large bottle of olive oil, an average of a medal-winning vintage, an average flavored with basil (killer!), a huge pot of pistou, and three or four mignonettes from different vintages. And there are only two of us at home. To tell you how high the tastes and quality of these oils are.
🔥 Trick : if you have the chance to go there, don't miss their " oil flower ". An exceptional dish skimmed by hand by the owners of the mill and which is worth all the best oils you can know.
Visit to the Partégal mill: practical information
After all this visit, we can only advise you one thing, visit the Old Partégal Oil Mill during your next vacation among us. And to make the experience easier for you, here is some practical information that will be useful to you:
- Address: Moulin à Huile du Partégal – 159 chemin des Laures, 83210 La Farlède.
- Contact : +04 94 48 48 85 XNUMX.
- Dates of visits : until 30/03 guided tour (once a day) by reservation via their website, and from 01/04 to 30/09, visit offered every day, every hour, reservation strongly recommended (visits limited to 30 people max).
- Duration of a visit: About 1 hour 15 minutes of pure taste and cultural happiness!
- Meeting point: outside the store, on the available white bench.
- Language of visits: French all day and English at 9:30 a.m. and 14:30 p.m. (by reservation only).
- Parking: a 116-space car park awaits you right in front of the mill.
- Accessible tourism : the entire workshop (inside and outside) is equipped to accommodate people with reduced mobility.
🌞 If you are looking fora fun, human and gourmet activity, immediately get into your car and head towards this beautiful mill in Partégal. A Provençal experience to live at least once and from which you will leave with your arms full of good things. So don't wait:
🫒 PS : a big thank you to the entire team at the mill who welcomed us and thanks to whom we can advise you even better at our reception at the Bandol tourist office!
See you soon for new adventures!
