Hiking / Mountain biking
The Alpilles is the perfect place for hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts. Indeed, the region has innumerable practicable paths and tracks, adapted to all types of hikers. Novices and experienced sportsmen will find their ideal level of difficulty. Moreover, walking or biking remains one of the best ways to discover the Alpilles, where the beauty of the landscapes can sometimes make you dizzy. Don't forget to take your binoculars to observe the extremely rich fauna in this area.
As far as difficulties are concerned, the Camargue paths are wiser than those of the Alpilles, because of the low elevation of the terrain. There are no big hills, only flat land, which does not take away from the magic of a walk in the marshes, along the canals and the dykes. Marked paths are there to prevent you from getting lost, but especially from entering protected areas, so as not to disturb the animals.
Horse and donkey rides
Feel like playing Louis Stevenson and discovering the country on a donkey? Okay, so we're not in the Cévennes, but many riding schools offer this service, and the Alpilles region lends itself perfectly to this activity. But, of course, it's in the Camargue that horseback riding really comes into its own. Here again, there's a plethora to choose from, and you'll be able to roam the great wilderness on the back of magnificent mounts. In fact, horseback is the mode of transport best suited to this environment of ponds, marshes, cultivated fields and pastures. And if you don't know how to ride, no problem - you'll have no trouble finding a competent instructor who will put you at ease. You'll soon become an accomplished rider. Whether you ride for an hour or several days, you'll never forget this fabulous experience.
4x4 Safari
Several companies offer this type of service, which allows you to discover the Camargue in an original way, rather like an adventurer on the African trail. But, of course, you'll be accompanied by a guide with a thorough knowledge of the region, who will introduce you to its mysteries. All our guides are passionate about the region. Lasting an average of half a day (although a multitude of offers are available with more or less wild bivouacs), a 4x4 safari is an unforgettable experience. From marshes to rice paddies, along canals, the powerful vehicle transports you into a world of unexpected encounters and emotional images. A flock of pink flamingos, a herd of white horses, the sun over the marshes. Yes, perhaps visions of the beginning of time.
Mountaineering
Climbers of all levels will find their happiness in the Alpilles. Indeed, there is no shortage of rock-climbing corridors and they attract, all year round, countless climbing enthusiasts.
The corollary of this notoriety is that practically all the sites that could be equipped are now equipped and well traced. For the still virgin walls, it is about cliffs placed in protected zone because of the presence of raptors. Of course, there are still some more confidential sites known only to a few "pros", but you will have to discover them by yourself. You should not hesitate to ask the locals who know the area perfectly. Some cliffs in the Alpilles are famous, like the famous Canal à Orgon which is one of the most athletic cliffs in France. There are also routes from 5A to 8A.
Golf
The Alpilles are a real paradise for lovers of the white ball, a sport that may seem elitist, but wait for it. Indeed, several golf courses offer to initiates as well as to beginners to perfect their technique in a postcard setting. These fairways, which unfold their undulating courses between fields of olive trees, maritime pines and almond trees, are perfectly integrated into the landscape. We can mention, of course, the golf courses of the Domaine de Servanes, at the foot of the Alpilles, or the Domaine de Manville, an eco-responsible golf course in Baux-de-Provence. These two golf courses, which are upmarket, but nevertheless accessible to all, are true havens of peace offering eighteen-hole courses. Enough to satisfy both the pros and the beginners. So, see you on the fairway?
Hunting
Hunting, both traditional and controversial, is a major activity in both the Alpilles and the Camargue. Highly regulated, due to the presence of numerous protected areas and reserves, it also provides an additional source of income and an alternative to farming for certain landowners. These landowners reserve part of their estates for this activity in order to diversify. The opening and closing dates are set each year by prefectoral decree, depending on the department and the species hunted. The season generally opens around mid-September and closes at the end of February. In the Alpilles, with its steep, wooded terrain, wild boar is the main target, along with small game such as rabbits and partridges. In the Camargue, the large wetlands are ideal for hunting land game such as wild boar and rabbits, as well as waterfowl such as ducks and moorhens.
Scuba Diving
Yes, you can dive in the Camargue. Several diving clubs will give you the chance to discover the seabed and a few wrecks. Let's be honest, these aren't the most beautiful depths on the Mediterranean coast, and visibility can sometimes be poor due to the proximity of the mouth of the Rhône, but there are still some nice spots to explore. Local diving clubs and divers know them well. What's more, since there are fewer divers here than in Marseille or Cassis, you'll be able to dive with greater peace of mind, and with full supervision. The sites are fairly easy. It's an excellent place to get your first taste of diving, and why not take the plunge and earn a certificate that will enable you to discover other destinations.
Swimming
Swimming is not really the main theme of the Alpilles where you will find very few rivers and bodies of water to take a dip. The lake of Peiroou, in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, for example, constitutes a magnificent space for relaxation and contemplation. But as it is a fragile ecosystem, swimming is forbidden. As you can see, you will have to go further south to the Camargue coastline to enjoy the water. There, the picture is different. There are some seventy kilometers of beaches, sometimes similar to small lost paradises that are waiting for you. Some of these beaches are very well developed, others are practically in a wild state. The choice will be made according to your desires.
Beware of those who would be tempted to swim in the Rhône or the Durance. The latter is extremely dangerous, and as for the Rhone, it is better to avoid putting your feet in it because of the currents and the turbidity of the water.
River trips
Just great! From Avignon or Le Grau-du-Roi, you can embark on one of the large cruise ships that ply the Rhône and discover the Camargue from a completely new angle. Fauna, flora and architecture will appear in all their splendor as you observe them from the river. You can stop off at the Tarascon river station, at the foot of the Château du Roi René... the good life. For the adventurous or simply for those who want to experience new sensations, you can also hire a boat, with or without a license, to explore the canals and marshes at a completely different pace. This formula allows you to be the only master on board for a period ranging from a few hours to several days. In fact, some boats are habitable, or even very comfortable. A spirit of freedom and extraordinary images guaranteed. Ideal for romantic or family vacations.
In a glider
Visiting the Alpilles and Camargue from the air is undoubtedly one of the best ways to get to know this contrasting region in its entirety. Tortured landscapes and hilltop villages in the north, vast plains criss-crossed by wild horses and occupied by manades in the south... no other means of transport allows you to take in such a diversity of panoramas all at once. Several aerodromes offer services ranging from sightseeing to introductory flying lessons. The Saint-Rémy aeroclub, for example, offers introductory glider flights, where you can feel like a bird of prey as its wings glide silently under the wind. The Salon-Eyguières airfield is home to three clubs offering glider, microlight and paraglider baptisms. Prices are very affordable, and the thrills are guaranteed.
By autogyro
It's one of the most original activities we've ever discovered. The autogyro, also known as a gyrocopter, is a microlight whose appearance is very similar to that of a helicopter. Advantages: all those of a helicopter. Disadvantages: it's a two-seater, and you have to take off alone with the pilot (unless you know how to fly yourself). So forget it for family outings. Photographers, on the other hand, will benefit from a means of transport that's particularly well-suited to taking pictures. This little-known aircraft is perfect for discovering the Alpilles' jagged landscapes and hilltop villages, thanks to its extreme maneuverability. An autogyro service is available from Avignon aerodrome. You'll set off on a 40-minute flight that will take you as far as Les Baux-de-Provence and the Alpilles mountain range.
