Buying local

Choosing a sustainable way to travel in Sainte-Maxime means opting to buy local, supporting local producers and discovering authentic flavours. Nestled between the sea and the hills, the destination offers a rich local terroir to explore. This gourmet trail guides you through unique experiences, allowing you to savour Sainte-Maxime in a different way. Follow our itinerary for a memorable experience!

Our tips for eating locally and discovering the region’s specialities

Stage 1 Arielle and Olivier’s apiaries 100% French, natural and delicious honeys

Arielle and Olivier Andrieux’s apiaries practise bee-friendly beekeeping. Thanks to transhumance, their hives forage in the Maximois maquis, the garrigue of the Haut-Var, lavender fields, and mountain and forest flowers. Each jar of honey thus reflects the floral richness of Provence,with a variety of textures: creamy, runny, single-flower or multi-flower. With the IGP label, these honeys guarantee a geographical and floral origin that is typically Provençal.

The products are on sale at the Sainte-Maxime Tourist Office shop, allowing visitors to extend this culinary discovery whilst supporting local expertise.

Our tip: choose your honey directly from the shop or from beekeepers to enjoy the full experience and ensure its quality.

Stage 2 The fishermen’s stall freshness and authenticity, from catch to plate

On the A. Simon Lorrière promenade, the fishermen’s stall offers fresh fish and seafood, caught overnight or in the early hours of the morning.

Sea bream, sea bass, red mullet and rockfish make up a stall that’s as colourful as it is delicious, open all year round, weather permitting. Here, buying and eating on the spot showcases the artisans’ craft and offers an authentic experience in the heart of the harbour.

Our tip: arrive early in the morning to get the best fish, and don’t hesitate to ask the fishermen for their cooking tips.

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Step 3 The regional produce market a taste of Provence

Every Thursday morning, the regional produce market brings the Place du Marché and the pedestrianised streets to life.

The aromas of spices, cheeses, seasonal fruit and vegetables, honey, jams and Provençal specialities fill the air. Strolling through this market is a real immersion in the Var region’s local culture, ideal for putting together a gourmet hamper or bringing home some authentic produce.

Our tip: let the aromas guide you and strike up a conversation with the producers to discover their culinary tips and trade secrets.

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Step 4 Olive groves The excellence of olive oil

The Domaine de La Pierre Plantée, situated on the hills above Sainte-Maxime, is one of the largest olive groves in the Var, with 4,000 olive trees. Produced using sustainable farming methods, the estate’s extra virgin olive oil reflects the richness of the terroir and local varieties. The matured oil, made from olives harvested at peak ripeness, develops unique notes of tapenade, black fruits and forest floor. Guided tours with tastings are offered regularly, and the products are available on site and at the Tourist Office.

Les Oliveraies du Cadé et des Ribes produce an extra virgin olive oil obtained from a first cold press, 100% natural. A passionate producer, Lydie Caranta cultivates her olive trees using sustainable farming methods, without pesticides, respecting the Provençal terroir. Eight local olive varieties are carefully selected to create oils with rich and balanced flavour profiles. An authentic production process that showcases local expertise and the diversity of olive cultivation in the Var.

Our tip: take a guided tour to understand every stage of production and taste the oil straight from the source.

Step 5 The vineyards Domaine de Beaucas and Clos de Sainte-Maxime

The Domaine des Beaucas, situated at the foot of the Massif des Maures, cultivates its vines using traditional viticultural methods: Patrick and Encarnacion Roynette and their children produce A.O.P. Côtes de Provence wines from Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Rolle and Sémillon grapes. The grapes are harvested by hand and vinification follows the finest modern techniques.

Nearby, the Clos de Sainte-Maxime, an 8-hectare family-run estate, produces premium red, white and rosé wines, cultivated with respect for the soil and the terroir. Provençal authenticity is evident in every bottle, and visits are by appointment only.

Wines from these two Sainte-Maxime estates are available at the Tourist Office shop.

Our tip: opt for on-site tastings to discover the winemakers’ craft and take home authentic, locally sourced wines.

A responsible and delicious journey

Supporting local producers in Sainte-Maxime means combining enjoyment, discovery and a commitment to sustainability.

This tour gives you the chance to meet passionate artisans, sample high-quality produce and help preserve the local heritage. Take the time to savour every stage, chat with the producers and let your senses guide you on a sustainable and gourmet journey.