Moulin des Bouillons Museum

The Moulin des Bouillons is a remarkable historic site, illustrating over two millennia of the history of olive oil production in the Mediterranean region. This oil mill, also known as a "blood" mill because of the animal or human power used to drive its mechanisms, is the oldest of its kind still preserved with all its equipment.

The history of the site dates back to the first century, when the first wine presses were installed. Over the centuries, these installations have evolved, and the mill has seen a succession of presses. The most impressive of these, dating from the 16th century, weighs 7 tonnes and is 10 metres long, testifying to the importance of olive oil production at that time.

The Moulin des Bouillons is also notable for its vats carved directly into the rock and its pipes of Roman origin, which together tell the story of the production and trade of olive oil and, by extension, that of Marseille soap, the emblematic product of the region linked to this oil.

In addition to its industrial and agricultural history, the site also houses a collection of objects linked to the production and use of olive oil, including oil lamps and amphorae used to transport the oil. These artefacts enrich the tour of the mill, offering visitors a glimpse of daily life and commercial practices in the ancient and medieval Mediterranean.