Olive trees, a striking rocky landscape and trails with a range of themes give Les Mees a varied appeal for a stay. You can choose a route devoted to olive growing, combine geology and views on the circular trail to the Pénitents, or explore nature and local history at Carré des pins. Culture lovers can also visit the Musée de l’Olivier; at Domaine Salvator, the focus is on tasting olive oil.
Trails among olive trees and the Pénitents
The marked Chemin de l’Olivier is 3.6 kilometres long and leads visitors to discover olive trees that are several centuries old. Those interested in olive growing will find a trail with a clear thematic focus here. Another option is the Sentier de découverte des Pénitents: this easy circular trail is 4.3 kilometres long, takes two hours and involves 207 metres of ascent and descent. The time estimate makes it easier to plan this circular trail as a separate outing.
The Sentier de découverte des Pénitents leads to the Chapelle Saint-Roch and its viewpoint, follows the ridge of the Pénitents and then returns towards the village along the shady slope. This circular walk therefore highlights not only the rocky landscape, but also the chapel and the route along the ridge. The La Colle mountain-bike circuit offers another way to explore the area; it invites visitors to discover the largest olive grove in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.
Carré des pins offers a different focus. This natural recreation area is accessible from the town centre via an informative walking trail. The circular trail presents local history and information about the area’s vegetation. Historical topics include flood protection measures on the Torrent de la Combe and « la mine », a 300-metre-long tunnel driven through the rock between 1782 and 1788. The trail also covers rare plant species, including the Montpellier maple.
Rocky landscape and nature
The Pénitents des Mées were formed by erosion of poudingue, a rock made of cemented pebbles. Its deposition took place over a period of approximately 2 to 12 million years. The landscape’s protected status is also part of its history: in 1941, the Pénitents were classified by ministerial decree and designated an Espace naturel sensible.
The area is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. This includes the protected late-flowering grass species Molinia tardiva. Eagle owls nest in the cliffs on the north-facing slope. These natural features offer a different perspective on the Pénitents from their geological formation or the views from the circular trail.
Olive culture and history
The Musée de l’Olivier is housed in the Moulin des Pénitents. Visitors can see old tools there, and learn about the production of olive oil. The museum includes a stone mill dating from the 19th century. Self-guided visits and guided tours are free; a visit to the mill and olive museum takes 45 minutes. As visitor arrangements may change, it is advisable to check the visiting options before travelling.
At Domaine Salvator, tasting takes centre stage: visitors can sample the different olive oil blends at the « bar à huiles ». Four blends, distinguished by olive varieties and production methods, are presented at the mill’s reception area. The selection may change, so check in advance which blends are currently being presented.
Another trace of history is the « Chemin des insurgés ». It traces the history of the people of Bas-Alpins who tried to prevent Louis Napoléon Bonaparte’s coup d’état in 1851. The Festivoix music festival was founded in 1990 and features three concerts at the Notre Dame de l’Olivier church, held in September or October. Check the dates in advance for the year of your trip.
At Lac Joël Siguret, there are two walking paths, a skate park and a fitness trail. The lake also serves as a nesting site for numerous migratory birds. Alongside trails, olive culture and historical attractions, visitors can also enjoy nature watching and a range of leisure activities.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Étienne-Les-Orgues, Clamensane, Oraison, Dauphin, Sainte-Croix-De-Verdon, Ongles, Bevons, Lardiers.
View the regional travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.
