AI-generated illustration
PGI — Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Since 1495, this sweet melon of kings has charmed palates with its luscious, honeyed flesh, an emblem of the Luberon.
Vegetable from Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, PGI (IGP) since 2025.
Melon cultivation in Cavaillon dates back to 1495. As early as the 17th century, the melon became a prized delicacy offered to dignitaries passing through the town: to the duc de Guise in 1620, to Monseigneur d'Oppède in 1626, and to the vice-legates Mazarin in 1635 and Lascaris in 1664. From the mid-19th century, the expansion of road and rail networks encouraged melon shipments beyond the region. Alexandre Dumas himself praised this fruit so highly that in 1864 he negotiated his Œuvres complètes in exchange for an annual annuity of 12 melons.
The PGI, registered on 12 February 2025, recognises this tradition spanning more than five centuries and guarantees a unique terroir and quality.
Cavaillon, capital of the French melon, benefits from a unique terroir: a Mediterranean climate, deep limestone soils with a silty-clay texture ideal for melon cultivation, and abundant sunshine (between 2,650 and 2,850 hours per year). The mistral, a cold, dry wind from the north-north-west, enhances brightness and limits atmospheric humidity, creating optimal conditions for cultivation documented since the late 15th century.
Cavaillon is synonymous with melon: local markets dedicated to the fruit are documented as early as 1859, and a Marché d'Intérêt National was established there in 1965. Today, the 'Melon de Cavaillon' brand is managed by the Syndicat des Maîtres Melonniers de Cavaillon, which unites growers and marketers from neighbouring départements under a shared specification.
Appearance
Rounded, ribbed fruit of the yellow Charentais type; the background colour of the rind turns from green to yellow at maturity, with well-defined grooves coloured darker green, occasionally with light netting; weight between 550 g and 1,750 g for fresh consumption.
Aroma
Intense aromas of ripe melon, with highly appetising sweet and honeyed notes.
Taste
Deep orange flesh, average sugar content greater than or equal to 13° Brix, with no fruit below 11° Brix.
Texture
Tender, juicy, succulent flesh, easily separated from the rind, few filaments.
'Melon de Cavaillon' is exclusively a yellow Charentais type melon: rounded, ribbed fruit with deep orange flesh.
checks on colour, temperature (≤ 28 °C), sugar content (average ≥ 13° Brix) and vitrescence.
fruit-by-fruit sorting on the packing line, weight grading (550 g to 1,750 g for fresh consumption).
single-layer moulded trays or individual packaging.
maximum of 4 days between harvest and dispatch, storage between 8 °C and 12 °C.
AI-generated illustration
Serving: Slightly chilled (8–10 °C), 30 min before tasting. Cut in half lengthways.
Drinks: Light dry white wines, Provençal rosés, fresh juice, light Champagne.
Since: 2025
Area covered: Communes in parts of 4 départements (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Bouches-du-Rhône, Var, Vaucluse)
Key requirements: Yellow Charentais type; average sugar content ≥ 13° Brix (no fruit < 11° Brix); harvested at optimal ripeness; size 550 g to 1,750 g for fresh consumption
Syndicate
Wholesaler
Get listed and reach more lovers of regional produce.
Request a listing