The village * The festivities
The village    

Mouries is a rather small and typical village, located on the southern hillside of the Alpilles, in the heart of the famous "Les Baux de Provence" valley. All around the village, you can see olive groves and hills. Mouries being the first olive oil-producing commune in France, an important activity is being maintained throughout the village regarding production as well as processing of olives.

   logo mouries
 
in Mouries , all traditional celebrations are based on the very close life between people, olive trees and bulls. Some of them have acquired a wide reputation thanks to the respect of the ancestral blend of "provençale" culture with traditions from the close by Camargue.
Mouries is well organized and lively village although a quiet and easy-going atmosphere is being jealously kept. The local bullring may receive up to 3000 people and final trophies are celebrated with Arlesian parades and traditional folk dances.
 
 
Some figures : 2525 inhabitants, 80 000 olive trees, 3 olive mills
     
The festivities    

... May :
- Annual flowers fair and market

... June :
- "Fête du ruban" (ribbon celebration): election of the queen of the ribbon dedicated to the graceful wearing of the "provençal" costumes;
- "Fête du Club taurin" (Bull fan club festival): performing several bull races and trophies;
- "Fête de la musique" (music festival).

   fete

 
.July :
- "Les vendredis Mourièsens" : petanque contest, bull race by night...
- National holiday.

August :
- Open-air theatre;
- Friday nights shows on "Cours P. Révoil";
- Various exhibitions and lectures in an ancient olive mill;
- "Fête votive" (most important local event): one week of typical festivities (bull races, open-air concerts and balls, fun fair) ... and the "Aioli" (famous meal to discover) being served on the "cours P. Révoil", is closing the festivities on thursday noon.

  
caleche  
September :
- Green Olive Fair: 3 days of high quality performances : traditional parade, imposing "Capelledo" and final trophy at the bullring..

In the mean time, flea and antique markets, local products stands, art exhibitions, various crafts stands, marinated green olives, olive oil, wine and local pastries tastings.
From October to December :
- Style and flavour festival;
- New olive oil market;
- Christmas market;
- Christmas Eve holy mass with animated nativity in St James church.		   >>top