The Alpilles, located in the Bouches-du-Rhône département of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, is brimming with breathtaking scenery and cultural sites rich in history. In this article, we present the 11 most beautiful places to visit during your stay in the Alpilles. Whether you're a lover of hiking, architectural heritage or local gastronomy, prepare to be amazed by the treasures to be found in the Alpilles, a little corner of France with a touch of paradise!
1. Eygalières, one of the region's most beautiful villages
This small Provencal village, nestled just five minutes from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, is one of the most beautiful villages in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region. It has preserved its authentic charm and picturesque landscapes, made up of lush green valleys, olive groves and vineyards, rows of cypress trees and azure blue skies. Take a stroll down the Grand-rue, and don't miss the remains of the castle, the esplanade of the old keep and the Saint-Laurent church. Finally, head to the Chapelle des Pénitents to discover the Musée du Vieil Eygalières and, if the weather is clear, enjoy a breathtaking view of the Montagne de la Caume, the Alpilles and the Durance.
2. Les Opies, highest point of the Alpilles range
Les Opies, the highest point in the Alpilles mountain range, offers exceptional panoramic views over the whole of this authentic, unspoilt region. Reaching an altitude of 498 meters, the summit is reached after a pleasant hike through the typical Alpilles landscapes of garrigue, limestone rock and Aleppo pine. Once you've reached the summit, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the surrounding villages, such as Les Baux-de-Provence, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Eygalières, as well as the Crau plain, the Camargue and even the Luberon mountains on a clear day.
3. Les Baux-de-Provence and its castle
Les Baux-de-Provence, listed as one of France's most beautiful villages, is an essential stopover on any trip to the Bouches-du-Rhône region. Nestled in the Alpilles massif and perched on a rocky outcrop, this medieval village exudes a remarkable harmony between its architectural heritage and the surrounding nature. A visit to Les Baux-de-Provence, with its narrow streets, museums and emblematic buildings, will leave an indelible impression, marked by the meeting of heritage, culture, art, traditions and the typical scents of Provence. Discover our article dedicated to What to do and see in Les Baux-de-Provence? The 11 must-sees.
We recommend this 4x4 safari to discover the Alpilles regional park: you'll pass through the most beautiful villages such as Les Baux de Provence, see Roman ruins, olive groves and vineyards.
4. Les Carrières des Lumières
Unique multimedia shows in an enchanting setting! Welcome to the Carrières de Lumières in Les Baux-de-Provence, a surprising and impressive site nestled in the heart of the Alpilles mountains. Managed by the Fondation Culturespaces, the leading private cultural player in charge of numerous monuments and museums in France, the Carrières de Lumières offer an immersive, sensory experience to rediscover the works of renowned artists. The aim is to dematerialize the work of art so that it can be better understood and appreciated. At the beginning of 2024, the show will be breathtaking: it honors the Dutch masters, from Vermeer to Van Gogh.
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5. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
It's one of the most beautiful places in Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is often referred to as the little capital of the Alpilles, and for good reason... In this land steeped in legend and mystery, it's easy to imagine the sounds of armor and the battles of ancient lords and knights still haunting the area. Today, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence attracts lovers of old stones and art, with its houses and mansions, craft stores and art galleries lining the narrow, winding streets, designed to withstand the mistral wind. The spirit of Van Gogh, who painted over 150 canvases in the area, still lingers in the surrounding countryside.
6. The Grottes de Calès, an incredible place in the Alpilles
The Grottes de Cal ès are a remarkable site, comprising a troglodytic complex of 116 caves, 58 of which are located inside a natural cirque. Located near Lamanon, at the eastern end of the Alpilles massif in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, these caves were occupied from prehistoric times to the 15th century. Spread over several levels of the cliff, they have been dug out by man to serve as refuge or permanent habitat over the millennia. At its peak in the Middle Ages, the site was home to around 200 inhabitants and was fortified, with outbuildings and dwellings built into the cirque. A medieval castle was even built here. Although the site was abandoned at the end of the 16th century, it remains very well preserved today.
7. Glanum, a historic site in the Alpilles region
The archaeological site of Glanum offers a unique experience, that of a journey back in time. It's a beautiful Roman archaeological site, rich in remains and well restored. Located just a few minutes from the village center, on the road leading to Les Baux, it's easy to spot thanks to the Arc de Triomphe and the Mausoleum of the Antiques, on the right, opposite the entrance. An ancient Roman village marked by Greek and Roman influences, Glanum is home to many superb remains, so well restored that it's easy to imagine the layout of the ancient city.
8. Mouriès, a picturesque village
It's hard to resist the charm of this village, located in the Alpilles regional nature park, which boastsan extraordinary tranquility and gentle way of life. Home to over 80,000 olive trees, Mouriès boasts France's leading olive-growing commune, with three mills still in operation. Places to discover include the Caisses de Jean-Jean oppidum and Saint-Jacques church. Hiking enthusiasts will be delighted by the many signposted trails, while nature lovers can enjoy a variety of themed walks. There's no shortage of activities, from mountain biking to discovering archaeological sites, or simply relaxing inone of the most beautiful villages in the South of France.
9. Visit the Musée des Alpilles
The Musée des Alpilles, one of the town's oldest institutions, is a must-see. Located on the charming Place Favier, it occupies a former Renaissance mansion, listed as a historic monument since 1862. Founded in 1919 by Pierre de Brun and recently renovated, the museum presents a variety of collections dedicated to the region, including ethnology, archaeology, geology, popular arts and traditions, ex-voto and works by local painters. Temporary exhibitions are also organized on a regular basis.
10. Hiking through the region's most beautiful landscapes
To discover the region's most beautiful landscapes, there's nothing like hiking through the heart of the Alpilles.
- The Sentier des Ocres in particular, is one of the most beautiful hikes in Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur. Very popular with walkers, this hike through the ancient ochre quarries of Roussillon guarantees a complete change of scenery. You'll stroll between hills and valleys, in an environment of many shades of color, from pale yellow to brilliant red. This enchanting, colorful landscape seems to come straight out of another world!
- For the more experienced, the Grande Randonnée 5 (GR5) is a major challenge, asit crosses the entire Alpilles massif. Whatever your level, you'll be amazed by the diversity and beauty of the landscapes you'll encounter on your walks through this unspoilt region.
11. Taste the culinary specialties of the Alpilles
During your stay in the Alpilles, be sure to sample the local culinary specialties. Among them, the red wine of the Parc Naturel Régional des Alpilles, made from preserved vineyards and benefiting from an ideal Mediterranean climate, will delight lovers of fine wines. Alpilles olive oil , produced from olives harvested in the region, is also a sure bet for enhancing your dishes. Cheeses from the Alpilles, such as Brousse du Rove or Banon, are a must for lovers of dairy products. Finally, Alpilles tapenade, made with olives, capers and anchovies, is a delicious specialty to enjoy on fresh bread or as an accompaniment to your dishes.
You can also book this electric bike tour with wine tasting. You'll discover the Alpilles and the region's most beautiful villages by bike, before finishing with a wine tasting.
What to do in 3 days in the Alpilles?
To make the most of a 3-day stay in the Alpilles, here's a program combining cultural, natural and gastronomic discoveries:
Day 1:
- Morning: Visit the village of Les Baux-de-Provence and its medieval castle.
- Afternoon: Explore the Carrières de Lumières, a unique sound and light show in ancient quarries.
Day 2:
- Morning: Hike the sentier des Ocres in Roussillon to admire the colorful landscapes.
- Afternoon: Discover Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, its historic center, the archeological site of Glanum and the birthplace of Nostradamus.
Day 3:
- Morning: Visit the Musée des Alpilles in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to learn more about local history and traditions.
- Afternoon: Tasting of local products, including Alpilles Regional Nature Park red wine, Alpilles olive oil, Alpilles cheeses and Alpilles tapenade.
This program will enable you to discover the main attractions of the Alpilles in 3 days, while enjoying the beauty of the landscape and the local flavors. Don't hesitate to adapt this program to suit your desires and interests.
What to do in the Alpilles with children?
The Alpilles offers a wide range of activities for families with children. Here are a few ideas for an unforgettable stay in this magnificent region:
- Discover the Parc Ornithologique du Pont de Gau, where you can observe many species of birds in their natural habitat, including pink flamingos, herons and storks.
- Enjoy child-friendly hiking trails such as the sentier des Ocres in Roussillon, which offers surprisingly colorful landscapes, or the sentier du Val d'Enfer in Les Baux-de-Provence, which leads to spectacular rock formations.
- Take part in pottery, painting, Marseille soap or lavender spindle-making workshops in the villages of the Alpilles, to awaken your children's creativity while discovering local traditions.
We especially recommend this workshop, where you can make your own lavender spindle in the heart of the sublime Parc naturel des Alpilles. At the end of the workshop, you'll leave with this Provencal heirloom as a souvenir to perfume your home.
- Some museums in the Alpilles offer activities and events specially designed for children, such as the Musée des Alpilles in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence or the Fondation Vincent van Gogh in Arles.
These varied, child-friendly activities are sure to make your stay in the Alpilles an enjoyable and memorable one. Don't hesitate to ask your local tourist office about events and activities planned during your stay.
What to do in the Alpilles when it rains?
Even if the weather doesn't cooperate, you can still make the most of your stay in the Alpilles by opting for activities sheltered from the rain. Here are a few suggestions:
- Visit Alpilles museums to learn more about local history, culture and traditions. These include the Musée des Alpilles in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the Musée Estrine in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and the Musée de l'Olivier in Mouriès.
- The Alpilles is home to numerous art galleries where you can admire the works of local and international artists. Take advantage of a rainy day to discover these spaces dedicated to artistic creation.
- The Alpilles region is renowned for its quality wines. Visit the region's cellars and wineries to taste the finest vintages and learn more about winemaking techniques.
- Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in one of the many spas and wellness centers in the Alpilles. Enjoy treatments based on local products, such as olive oil or Provencal herbs.
What are the most beautiful villages in the Alpilles?
The Alpilles is a region brimming with charming Provencal villages, each with its own character and attractions. Some of the most beautiful villages in the Alpilles include:
- Les Baux-de-Provence: Perched on a rocky spur, this medieval village is one of the most famous in the region. It offers exceptional views over the Alpilles and is home to numerous historic monuments, such as the Château des Baux and the Church of Saint-Vincent.
- Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Located at the foot of the Alpilles, this typical Provencal village is famous for having welcomed Vincent van Gogh for a year. You can visit the Glanum archaeological site, the Musée Estrine and stroll through its lively streets.
- Eygalières: This picturesque village, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, is renowned for its beautiful stone houses and flower-filled alleyways. It also offers magnificent views of the Alpilles and the Crau plain.
- Maussane-les-Alpilles: This authentic village is famous for its high-quality olive oils. Here you can visit traditional oil mills, sample local produce and stroll through the historic center.
Did you like our selection? See also our article What to do in Camargue? The 15 most beautiful places to visit.
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