The wonderful Mediterranean climates makes this area the perfect place to grow things such as olives and lemons. Both of which are heavily incorporated into local dishes.
Being on the Mediterranean coast, seafood is obviously a big part of the local diet with many typical dishes based on fish or crustaceans, with sardines and anchovies being particularly popular. French cheeses and wines are of course staple throughout the country and this part of the south coast is no different with wonderful local rose wine and goats cheese making the perfect aperitif.
Appellation d'Origine Controlee (AOC)
The appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) is the certification granted by the French government to ensure that all wines, cheese and certain agricultural products are produced in the region of their origin, in the traditional manner, using specific ingredients.
Chestnuts
The Massif des Maures mountains extends from Saint-Raphaël to Hyères. The vegetation of the Maures mainly consists of chestnut and cork oak forests, maquis (dense Mediterranean shrubland) and maritime pines.
French Truffles
Truffles are a fungus - an underground mushroom so to speak. They require limestone soils, a warm climate and a nice tree (usually oak) in which to grow under.
Grapes & Wine
Saint Tropez's peninsula is perfect grape growing land; warmed by the sun and cooled by the four winds, grapes grow generously to to offers a selection of white, red and rosé wines.
Nougat
Located in Saint Tropez
Nougat has been made in this region since the 17th century when almond trees were first planted in the area, in the northern part of Provence.
Olives & Olive Oil
Symbolising temperance, wisdom and harmony, the olive tree can surprise you by surviving the most challenging of conditions. With its gnarled dark bark it can often appear dead but life will flow through to produce the prized fruit.
Pastis - The Spirit of Provence
If you imagine a typical Provencal scene where local villagers are playing boules whilst a collection of characters watch from under the shade of some plane trees, it is likely that they will all be drinking Pastis.
