The oil press at the Chartreuse de Bonpas

Activities linked to vines, wines, and olive growing were at the heart of economy of the Chartreuse de Bonpas until the 19^th century, and the olive press continuing to operate until the 1830s, according to the archives*. 

The remains of an oil press and 1.5 hectares of olive trees are the remnants of a rich olive-growing past.

The press: 3.21m high and 2.35m wide

It is located in the basement of one of the oldest parts of the Chartreuse, beside the chapel. To welcome this so-called chapel press, which uses a mechanical direct-action process, a room was dug directly into the rock to hold the three-meter-long bench that would house the wooden screw. This was a very big mill, to suit the site’s abundant production. Indeed, in 1785 the Chartreuse produced 1,800 liters of oil, while in 2019, production was just 200 liters!

The olive grove: 1.5 hectares

Two varieties of olive were grown here: Verdale de Carpentras, or Aglandau in the Provençal language, and Picholine. These two types of olive were complementary in that Verdale olives produce rounded, mild, and sophisticated oils, while the Picholine brings a peppery flavor along with the necessary acidity and body to ensure the oil keeps over time. The blend brings the necessary balance, fruitiness, and character to the oil of the Chartreuse de Bonpas.

The choice of these two varietals was also agronomic in that they pollinate each other. Unlike grapes, different olives ripen at different times, with the Picholine ripening earlier.

At the Chartreuse, the olives are harvested in crates and transported to the mill within 24 hours to preserve all the fruitiness and especially the antioxidant potential of an extra-virgin olive oil.

The Chartreuse du Bonpas looks down over the River Durance near to Avignon. It was originally a fortified monastery built by the Hospitaliers of St. John of Jerusalem in the 13^th century. The name comes from the history of the tumultuous river, which had to be crossed at the ford, or “bon passage” (good passage) at the bottom of the priory. The name Bonpas comes from the Latin, bonus passus.

*Source: Provence Historique Fascicule 192-1998 by Jacques Mouraret