Opio: Olive-growing heritage, church art and walking trails

Opio lies between the sea and the mountains, amid the wooded landscapes of the central hinterland. As a hotel destination, it combines a history of olive oil production with Romanesque heritage; at the same time, walking trails wind through woodland and olive groves, and the Golf d’Opio Valbonne adds a distinctive feature of its own. Opio therefore appeals to visitors interested in everything from local history to outdoor activities. Which of these aspects you would like to explore further can help shape your travel plans.

Olive-growing heritage and architectural history

The Moulin d’Opio dates back to the 15th century and is one of the oldest olive mills in Provence. It is not just a subject of historical interest: the mill still produces olive oil in the town centre. Olives from Opio are processed there, and seven generations have succeeded one another since the mid-18th century. These dates point to two different aspects: the mill’s early history and a processing tradition continued over generations. The Moulin d’Opio is therefore a point of reference both for local history and for Opio’s olive-growing heritage.

Another focus of cultural and historical interest is the Romanesque church of Saint-Trophime. It houses medieval baptismal fonts and a 17th-century altarpiece. The furnishings thus bring together two distinct periods in a single building: the baptismal fonts date from the Middle Ages, while the altarpiece is from the 17th century. Visitors interested in church architecture and historic furnishings will find specific examples here that illustrate the differences between these periods.

Walking trails and landscapes

The easy La boucle du Parc de Loisirs walk starts at the car park of the Parc de Loisirs d’Opio and leads through the Bois d’Opio. Along the way, it passes olive groves and offers open views of the surrounding hills and mountains. It therefore combines woodland stretches with sweeping views across the landscape. The Balade du Siaresq has a different character: it leads through an oak forest, between dry-stone walls and over a small bridge. Comparing the two routes brings different landscape features to the fore: olive groves and wide-ranging views on one, oak forest, dry-stone walls and a bridge on the other.

The Parc de Loisirs d’Opio also has a distinct focus. Its facilities include a fitness trail, a multi-sport court, play areas and an amphitheatre. This distinguishes the park, with its range of recreational facilities, from the walking trails described above, where the route through the landscape is the main attraction. These specific facilities give you an idea of the different kinds of exercise and leisure available in Opio.

Golf and Provençal rose-growing tradition

Golf d’Opio Valbonne is an 18-hole golf course set within 220 hectares of protected grounds. The hilly terrain is shaded by hundred-year-old trees and includes a Gallo-Roman aqueduct. Both the size and layout of the golf grounds and their landscape features contribute to the character of this destination. For those weighing up their interests, this offers a distinct alternative to walking: a golf course with a clearly stated number of holes, set amid trees and hills and featuring the aqueduct.

Opio’s annual Fête de la Rose is part of the Provençal rose-growing tradition. The event has kept this tradition alive for more than 20 years. If the festival is important to your travel plans, check the event dates for your intended travel period.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Etienne-De-Tinée, Bézaudun-Les-Alpes, Séranon, Châteauneuf-Grasse, Gattiéres, Sallagriffon, Tournefort, Cabris

For the broader travel overview: Alpes-Maritimes.