Escapade Opio

Located 8km from the perfume capital of Grasse, we are on our way to explore what used to be, until the French revolution, the ancient seigneury of the Bishop of Grasse: the village of Opio.

Opio stems from the word "Oppidum" which means fortified place – and it is also a beautiful place. The village is located in the middle of fertile Mediterranean countryside, rich in olive, pine, cork-oak, and strawberry trees and heather. Its unique micro-climate also promotes the growth of Rose Centifolia, used extensively in Grasse’s perfume industry.

The historic heritage of Opio is noteworthy, boasting several Roman remains; at the entrance to the village, you can also see an oak forest, which contains a cabin that dates back to the 1920s; and just a little further along, you can see the former bishop’s château, located next to the town hall. Finally, there is a Roman style church and a pretty 19th century wash-house, tucked away in San Peyre.

Opio’s windmill, the biggest in the region

Built in the 15th century, Opio’s windmill is one of the few still functioning windmills in the whole region. Today, although the water wheel is powered by electricity, the old traditions haven’t been forgotten, borne out by the fact that the Michel family has been producing olive oil here for 150 years.

Between mid-November and the end of March, no fewer than 700-1000 tonnes of olives are pressed every year by small producers and individuals.

Le Bar à Huiles offers beginner olive oil tasting sessions. In the shop, located in a vaulted space that includes exposed beams, you can find plenty of home-made bottles of plain and flavoured oils, tapenades, plain and seasoned olives and gift baskets to fill as desired.

Golfers and food-lovers paradise

Opio-Valbonne golf course and Château de la Bégude
Opio is home to a little paradise for golfers: an 18-hole golf course in the middle of a protected 220 hectare estate of undulating land, peppered with centenary trees, that also hides a Gallo-roman aqueduct.

Currently, a hotel and restaurant, the Château de la Bégude, a 17th century renovated fortified residence, overlooks the golf course.

Book your stay in the Château de la Bégude