A historical legacy
The Cavaillon melon, the emblem of Provence, enjoys a centuries-old reputation. Its cultivation in the region dates back to 1495, and its name became established thanks to the Cavaillon market and the rise of the railroads in the 19th century. Alexandre Dumas himself praised it in exchange for his complete works and an annual payment of 12 melons. This ancestral know-how, handed down from generation to generation, has now been officially recognized by the Indication Géographique Protégée (IGP).
I have only one wish to express, and that is that my books always have the same charm for the Cavaillonnais as their melons have for me. This is both an opportunity to express my gratitude to my good friends in Cavaillon, and to point out to the whole of Europe that their melons are the best I know.
An exceptional production
Grown in historic Provence, in the departments of Vaucluse, Bouches-du-Rhône, Var and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Melon de Cavaillon is a yellow Charentais melon. It is distinguished by its deep orange flesh and high sugar content. Thanks to exceptional sunshine of over 2,800 hours a year and a rigorous selection of plots and varieties, it benefits from ideal conditions for incomparable ripeness and taste.
A sustainable commitment
The production of IGP Melon de Cavaillon is based on environmentally-friendly practices. Reasoned drip irrigation optimizes water consumption, crop rotation and the use of green fertilizers preserve soil characteristics, and the use of phytosanitary treatments and fertilization is limited and supervised. This model of integrated agriculture guarantees sustainable and responsible production.
Economic data
3 150
tonnes commercialisées
810
hectares cultivés
45
producteurs
10
metteurs en marché
About the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)
PGI is linked toa know-how. It identifies an agricultural product, raw or processed, whose quality, reputation or other characteristics are linked to its geographical origin. At least one stage in the production, processing or elaboration of this product must take place in the delimited geographical area. The PGI guarantees the product protection at both national and European level. Compliance with PGI specifications is regularly monitored by independent bodies accredited and supervised by the State.
Press release
Communiqué de presse : la dénomination "Melon de Cavaillon" enregistré en IGP
La dénomination "Melon de Cavaillon" enregistré en IGP
The latest approvals for French SIQO products
The name "Pérail" is officially recognized as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), by publication, on May 26, 2025...
News
News
The name "Caviar d'Aquitaine" is officially recognized as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), with the...
News
News
The "Melon de Cavaillon" denomination is officially recognized as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), with the...
News
News