Hiking / Mountain biking
Les Alpilles is the perfect place for lovers of walking and mountain biking. Indeed, the region has innumerable paths and footpaths suitable for all types of hikers. Novices and experienced sportsmen and women will find their ideal level of difficulty. Moreover, walking or cycling remains one of the best ways to discover the Alpilles, where the beauty of the landscape can sometimes make you dizzy. Don't forget to bring your binoculars to observe the extremely rich fauna in this area.
As far as difficulties are concerned, the Camargue's paths are wiser than those of the Alpilles, due to the low elevation of the terrain. There are no long coastlines, but only flat country, which does not take away from the magic of a walk in the marshes, along the canals and dikes. Marked paths are there to prevent you from getting lost, but above all to prevent you from entering the protected areas, so as not to disturb the animals.
Horse and donkey rides
Want to play the Louis Stvenson and discover the country by donkey? Well, OK, we're not in the Cévennes, but the service is offered by many equestrian centres and the Alpilles lend themselves perfectly to this activity. But, of course, it is in the Camargue that horse riding will prove its worth. Here again, the offer is plethoric and you will be able to ride through the great wilderness on the back of magnificent mounts. Horses are the most suitable means of transport in this environment of ponds, marshes, cultivated fields and pastures. And if you don't know how to ride, no problem, you will find a competent instructor who will put you at ease. You will quickly become a skilled rider.
Whether you ride for an hour or several days, you will 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, a little like an adventurer on the African tracks. But, of course, you will be accompanied by a guide with a perfect knowledge of the country who will introduce you to the mysteries of the region. All of them are enthusiasts. With an average duration of half a day (but a multitude of offers exist with more or less wild bivouacs), the 4x4 safari is an unforgettable experience. From marshes to rice fields, along the canals the powerful vehicle transports you in the middle of a world made of unexpected encounters at the bend of a path and images full of emotions. A flight of pink flamingos, a herd of white horses, the sun above 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, attracting countless climbing enthusiasts all year round.
The corollary of this fame is that practically all the sites that could be are now equipped and well laid out. The still virgin walls are cliffs placed in protected areas because of the presence of birds of prey. Of course, there are still a few more confidential sites known only to a few "pros", but you will have to discover them by yourself. Do not hesitate to ask the natives who know the area perfectly. Some cliffs of the Alpilles are famous, such as the famous Canal à Orgon which is among the most sportive cliffs in France. There are also routes from 5A to 8A.
Golf
The Alpilles is a real paradise for lovers of white ball, a sport that may seem elitist, but wait for it. In fact, several golf courses offer both beginners and initiates the opportunity to refine 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, of course, mention the golf courses of the Domaine de Servanes, at the foot of the Alpilles, or that of the Domaine de Manville, an eco-responsible estate in Les Baux-de-Provence. These two top-of-the-range golf courses, which are nevertheless accessible to all, are true havens of peace and quiet, offering eighteen-hole courses. Enough to satisfy pros and beginners alike. So, see you on the fairway?
Hunting
Hunting, which is 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 agriculture for some landowners. The latter 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 opening generally takes place around mid-September and the closing, towards the end of February. In the Alpilles, which offers a wooded and steep territory, wild boar in particular is hunted, but also small game: rabbits and partridges. In the Camargue, the large wetlands allow you to hunt both land game, such as wild boar or rabbits, but also water game: ducks, water hens...
Scuba Diving
Yes, we can dive in the Camargue. Several diving clubs will give you the opportunity to discover the seabed and some wrecks. Let's be honest, these are not the most beautiful bottoms of the Mediterranean coast and the visibility can sometimes be bad, due to the proximity of the mouth of the Rhone, but there are still some nice spots to explore. Local clubs and divers know them very well. Moreover, the frequentation being less frequent than in Marseille or Cassis, you will dive more serenely while being perfectly supervised. The sites are rather easy. It is an excellent place to make your first steps and, why not, pass a certificate that will allow 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. Lake Peiroou, in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, for example, is a magnificent place for relaxation and contemplation. However, as it is a fragile ecosystem, swimming is forbidden there. As you will have understood, you will have to go further south towards the Camargue coast to indulge in aquatic pleasures. There, the picture is different. There are some seventy kilometres of beaches, sometimes like little lost paradises just waiting for you. Some of these beaches are very well developed, others are practically in the wilderness. 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, as for the Rhone, it is better to avoid setting foot there because of the currents and turbidity of the water.
River trips
Just great! Indeed, from Avignon or Le Grau-du-roi you can embark on one of the large cruise ships that criss-cross the Rhône and discover the Camargue from a completely new angle. Fauna, flora, architecture will appear to you in all their splendour when you observe them from the river. You can make a stop at the Tarascon river stopover, at the foot of King René's castle, where you can enjoy a meal... la belle vie. For the adventurers or simply for those who want to experience new sensations, it will also be possible to rent a boat with or without a licence to explore canals and marshes at a completely different pace. This formula allows you to be the sole master on board for a period ranging from a few hours to several days. Indeed, some boats are habitable, even very comfortable. Spirit of freedom and extraordinary images guaranteed. Ideal for holidays for lovers or families.
By plane / glider
Visiting the Alpilles and the Camargue from the sky is, without doubt, one of the best ways to meet this contrasting country and discover it in its entirety. Tortured landscapes and perched villages in the north, large plains traversed by wild horses and occupied by the manades in the south... no means of transport allows you to embrace such a diversity of panoramas in one go. Several airfields offer services ranging from strolls to introductory piloting. The Saint-Rémy aeroclub, for example, offers introductory gliding flights, to take oneself for a raptor whose wings glide silently under the wind. As for the Salon-Eyguières aerodrome, three clubs offer glider, microlight and paragliding initiation flights. The prices are quite affordable and the sensations are guaranteed.
By autogyro
It's one of the most original activities we've discovered. The gyrocopter, also called gyrocopter, is a microlight whose appearance is very similar to that of a helicopter. Advantages: all those of the helicopter, disadvantages: it is a two-seater and one is obliged to leave alone with the pilot (unless you know how to fly it yourself). So, we forget about family rides. Photographers, on the other hand, will benefit from a means of transport particularly adapted to taking pictures. This little-known aircraft is perfect for discovering the jagged landscapes of the Alpilles and the perched villages, thanks to its extreme manoeuvrability. An autogyro service is proposed, departing from the Avignon aerodrome. You will leave for a 40-minute flight that will take you to Les Baux-de-Provence and the Alpilles mountain range.
