After a complicated process that took eight long years, the European Commission finally granted the Melon de Cavaillon its coveted IGP designation. IGP laws (Indication Géographique Protégée) mean that only products from a certain geographic area, following strict rules, can carry the label. It guarantees quality and authenticity for the consumer and means higher prices for the producers.

First brought to France by the Avignon Popes, and a favorite of Alexandre Dumas, Cavaillon’s melons are among the best in the world. Val and I enjoy them every chance we get, as Cavaillon is just up the road from St-Rémy. You definitely have to try them when you are in Provence.

Read all about this local speciality in Perfectly Provence!