Olive culture, archaeological history and the landscapes of the Alpilles give Mouriès several distinct themes to explore. The village lies south of the Alpilles massif, between Arles and Salon-de-Provence, and is one of the 17 communes that make up the limestone massif of the Parc naturel régional des Alpilles. Visitors planning a stay can combine local olive production, historic sites and a scenic trail.

Olive Mills and the Harvest Festival

Mouriès has two active olive mills, as well as numerous olive-growing businesses with shops selling directly to customers. At Moulin Saint-Michel, olive oils, olives, tapenades and regional products are available. Moulin Saint-Michel can be visited free of charge all year round; check that visits are available again before your trip.

The Fête des Olives Vertes takes place every year on the third weekend of September and marks the start of the olive harvest season. This means olive culture can be explored year-round, as well as at a recurring autumn event. If the festival is the reason for your trip, check the event dates in advance.

Archaeology and Local History

The Oppidum des Caisses de Jean-Jean is a 14-hectare archaeological site dating from the 7th century BC. Information panels installed there in 2024 help visitors understand life in an oppidum. Its size and dating offer two concrete points of reference for a visit: the extent of the site and its long history.

Two points in time come together at the Eglise Saint Jacques le Majeur. The present-day church was completed in 1783 and stands on the site of an earlier Saint-Jacques chapel, already mentioned in 11th-century archives. This makes it possible to distinguish the chapel’s history from the construction period of the present church building.

The Arènes municipales de Mouriès are also part of the village’s cultural identity. Their horseshoe shape was designed by the Marquis Folco de Baroncelli, and the arena is particularly suited to the performances of the Cocardiers. Another named venue is the Arènes André Blanc, where the Club Taurin Mouriésen organizes Camargue races and other bull-related events throughout the year. Dates may vary.

Landscape and Getting There

The “MOURIES - Au cœur d'une oliveraie” trail follows the former Salon-Arles railway line and showcases the agricultural landscapes of Provence. It adds a scenic dimension to the village’s archaeological and architectural attractions. Mouriès is accessible by road and via the RN113 national road.

The events and attractions have different schedules: the Fête des Olives Vertes is held on the third weekend of September, while bull-related events are organized throughout the year, though their dates may vary. Moulin Saint-Michel can be visited year-round. Depending on whether the harvest festival, an event or olive culture itself is the main focus, there are different factors to consider when choosing when to visit.

Discover more destinations: La Ciotat, Alleins, Sausset-Les-Pins, Boulbon, Paluds De Noves, Vauvenargues, Plan-D'orgon, Peypin.

For the regional travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.