PARADOU the village

One could think that the name “Paradou” signifies paradise when life is so good there but it really represents a fuller’s mill which produced a material for stiffening cloth.
The village has 1200 inhabitants and is nested in the foothills of the Baux de Provence.
Its principal resources come from the production of the famous olive oil of the Baux de Provence valley.
This little commune has been able to preserve its authentic character by staying attached to its traditions.
It is also the birthplace of the Provencal “felibre” (local dialect poet), Charloun Rieu (1845 – 1924), loyal friend of the celebrated Frederic Mistral.