Spending a Great Day at a Trout Farm in Provence

Imagine spending a summer day by the edge of crystal-clear water, blissfully relaxing while waiting for a trout to bite. After fishing, you enjoy a fresh meal prepared with local ingredients. This can be experienced at Pisciculture de Cheiron, the trout farm run by Maaike and Pierre Philip near Gréolières, just an hour’s drive from the Côte d’Azur.

The Journey to the Trout Farm

We depart from the vibrant Cannes and drive 40 kilometres into the enchanting countryside. As we pass the perfume capital of Grasse, the landscape transforms into an oasis of green and mountains while we cruise through charming villages like Chateauneuf-Grasse and Le Bar-sur-Loup. The drive is an adventure in itself! Along the way, we spot the sign for the waterfalls of Saut du Loup, located just 15 kilometres from our route. Next time, we’ll visit. For today, however, our focus is on the trout farm. As we get closer, we follow the sign for Pisciculture de Cheiron, which leads us down a narrow dirt path. At the end of the path, we find a spacious parking lot on the left. It’s 10 am, and we are the first visitors.

A Warm Welcome

We park the car and step out, immediately greeted by two barking and wagging dogs that call this place home. In the distance, we see a woman waving at us; the Dutch woman, Maaike Philip, warmly welcomes us. She started this trout farm ten years ago with her husband Pierre, focusing exclusively on breeding organic trout.

Life on the Farm

Maaike tells us they raise rainbow, brook, and fario trout. She takes pride in their organic certification, which means the water quality is top-notch, and the fish have plenty of space to thrive. No antibiotics, no stress—everything happens here, from eggs to plate.

Fishing and Enjoying

We visit the farm in July, as summer is the perfect time to fish for your trout and fully enjoy nature. Whether you’re an experienced angler or trying it for the first time, everyone is warmly welcomed.

We see a father sitting with his son by the pond’s edge. Their lines are cast, and both are eagerly watching the bobbers. Suddenly, there’s movement! The son has a bite. He jumps up, his eyes shining excitedly as he feels the tension on the line. The tip of the rod bends—how big will the trout be? It feels heavy. Then the fish surfaces: it’s a hefty one!

The father quickly grabs the landing net. With bated breath, the boy reels the fish in. The father is ready and swiftly scoops the trout into the net. Proudly, they bring their catch to Pierre, who prepares the fish for lunch. After fishing, you can enjoy a simple yet delicious meal featuring freshly caught trout, accompanied by local vegetables, beer, and organic wine.

Simple and Local

Pierre, the chef in the farm’s kitchen, keeps things simple. The trout is cooked whole on the plancha, with minimal additions. “This way, the pure flavours shine through,” says Pierre. We can only confirm this when we taste the freshly grilled fish paired with organic vegetables and a drizzle of Provençal olive oil. Everything tastes even more delightful in this breathtaking setting, at our table by the Loup River, with a view of the majestic Cheiron massif.

Video Visit

Here is Hans and Christine’s video of a day at the trout farm.

A day at Pisciculture de Cheiron means enjoying delicious food and immersing yourself in the beautiful nature of the Pre-Alps. Additionally, you can purchase products year-round, from whole trout (gutted and cleaned) to smoked trout and trout soup. Eggs and ‘truitelles’—the small fish perfect for frying—are only available during the spawning season in January and February.

Overall, it’s a paradise where simplicity and quality come together, and you’ll surely want to return!

Practical Information

You can fish during July and August. Rods, nets, and other essentials are provided. It’s a fun experience for both adults and children. However, be sure to reserve via the website.

Pisciculture de Cheiron (website)
4850 Route de Grasse
06620 Gréolières