Premiere Pression Provence: The New Parisian Mecca For Fine Olive Oil

Matt and Kim Rudge

Premiere Pression Provence, the go-to new Parisian source for the finest quality Provençal olive oils, is the latest creative enterprise of Olivier Baussan, founder of O & Co and the now ubiquitous chain L’Occitane. This new mini-chain of inviting shops is Baussan’s homage to a region he loves, with the goal of supporting and encouraging native craftsmen and their small-scale, high-quality production.

Première Pression Boutique – Rue des Martyrs

I was fortunate enough to discover the shop in the 11th while heading to the Place d’Aligre market via Blé Sucré, one of my favorite little patisseries anywhere in Paris, on the rue Antoine Vollon. Up until that morning it had remained my favorite foodie spot on the street. Now, a lovely, light, wood-paneled shop selling fabulous olive oils has joined the mix.

Premiere Pression Provence focuses on offering rigorously selected and beautifully packaged oils from points known and lesser known throughout the Provençal region.  The oils are organized in three broad flavor families, vert, mûr and noir. Vert (green) oils are particularly suited for pastas, marinades and salads. Mûr (ripe) is for those who love olive oils with sweet fruity notes — wonderful for dressing cooked or raw vegetables. Noir (black) is an intriguing family of seven oils that are suggested for traditional savoir-faire (know-how) and for baking.  Try these noir oils with baked potatoes, well-matched cheeses or in cakes.

Première Pression Boutique – Rue Aligre

There are also seven gourmet tapenades on offer, made from either green or black olives, delightfully named after the best of Olivedom….. Pulpe de Salonenque, pulpe de Picholine, pulpe de Belgenteiroise, pulpe d’Aglandau… Who can resist? Flavor characteristics for each olive are described in mouth-watering detail along with suggested uses and synergistic flavor pairings. Single jars are 5 euros apiece and can be combined with a selection of oils as attractive gift boxes.

This shop and its sister shops are simply irresistible.  Talking with the charming propriétaire about his vision for the new business and the neighborhood’s strong support for the shop, I had to smile with delight at the French passion for authenticity and artisanal production which ensures the success of niche, high quality shops like Premier Pression Provence.

There are three Premier Pression Provence shops in Paris,

• 3 rue Antoine Vollon in the 12th
• 9 rue des Martyrs in the 9th
• 37 rue du Roi de Sicile in the 4th

Première Pression Boutique – Rue Aligre

… and one located in Provence.

• Ancienne Route de Forcalquier, 04130, Voix.

Related articles:

• The sexiest food shops in Paris
• Stuff Parisians Like: Olive Oil
• La Tete dans les Olives store, by Paris by Design

Written by Sally Peabody, Your Great Days in Paris. Sally is a Paris Specialist leading small group culinary tours to Paris, the Pays Basque and Lyon, and off the beaten path tours in Paris. She advises independent travelers on optimizing their time in her favorite city in the world.

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