Les Mees: The Pénitents, Olive Trails and Olive Culture

Les Mees offers a range of ways to enjoy a stay: the rocky landscape of the Pénitents, olive trails, local nature, and insights into history and oil production. If you are looking for a hotel, these specific interests can shape the focus of your trip.

Rocky Landscape and Nature

The Pénitents des Mées were formed by erosion from poudingue, a rock made of cemented pebbles. Its deposition took place over a period of approximately 2 to 12 million years. 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 species Molinia tardiva; eagle owls nest in the cliffs on the north-facing slope. Alongside its geological features, the landscape is therefore home to protected plants and a nesting site for this owl species.

Trails to Olive Trees and Viewpoints

On the signposted 3.6-kilometre Chemin de l’Olivier, you can discover olive trees that are several centuries old. The Sentier de découverte des Pénitents is an easy 4.3-kilometre loop. It is listed as taking two hours to walk, with an elevation gain and loss of 207 metres each. The trail leads to the Chapelle Saint-Roch and its viewpoint, follows the ridge of the Pénitents, then returns towards the village along the shady slope. The trails thus differ in length, destinations and route.

The Carré des pins is a natural recreation area with an informative walking trail accessible from the town centre. The trail provides information about local vegetation and rare species, including the Montpellier maple. It also explains the flood-protection measures on the Torrent de la Combe. These include « la mine », a 300-metre tunnel driven through the rock between 1782 and 1788.

Cycling is another activity mentioned: the La Colle mountain-bike loop invites you to discover the largest olive grove in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.

Olive Oil and Local History

The Musée de l’Olivier is housed in the Moulin des Pénitents. It displays old tools, explains how olive oil is produced, and houses a 19th-century stone mill. Free self-guided and guided visits are available. A visit to the mill and olive museum takes 45 minutes; check the current visiting arrangements in advance.

The reception area at the mill of Domaine Salvator showcases four olive oil blends that differ in olive varieties and production methods. At the « bar à huiles », you can taste the different blends. As the product range may change, check the current selection if you are interested in a particular product.

The « Chemin des insurgés » traces the history of the people of Bas-Alpins who tried to prevent Louis Napoléon Bonaparte’s coup d’état in 1851. Festivoix is a musical event: founded in 1990, the music festival holds three concerts in September or October at the church of Notre Dame de l’Olivier. Check the dates for your stay before travelling.

More Leisure Activities

Many migratory birds use Lac Joël Siguret as a nesting area. The lake also has two walking trails, a skate park and a fitness trail. Alongside hiking and cycling routes, there are also opportunities for exercise and nature watching.

Discover more destinations: Allos, Lurs, Le Brusquet, Senez, Saint-Jean, La Foux-D'allos, Volx, Digne-Les-Bains

For the broader travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.