Olivier millénaire de Roquebrune-Cap-Martin

Roquebrune-Cap-Martin

Often presented as the oldest tree in France, this olive tree of extraordinary size owes its survival to the historian and minister Gabriel Hanotaux, who bought the land in the early 20th century to prevent it from being felled. The absence of readable rings in its hollow trunk rules out precise dendrochronological dating; its age is estimated by comparing its circumference with other documented dead olive trees, at between 2,000 and 2,800 years according to Professor Robert Bourdu. The title of "oldest tree in France" is disputed by the olive tree of Filitosa, in Corsica. Listed as a remarkable tree of France in 2016, it continues to produce small black olives every year.

Getting there : private property visible from the Chemin de l'Olivier in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin; guided visits organized through the tourist office

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound