Only the Rhone separates the Land of Argence of the Alpilles Regional Natural Park! The Alpilles offer unspoiled nature, picturesque villages, and exceptional heritage. Travel its winding roads and explore this Provençal land. Admire the olive groves, vineyards, and sun-drenched rocks. The Alpilles is a concentration of Provence in its pure state!
Les Baux de Provence, a medieval jewel
Classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France", it overlooks a rocky outcrop. From its summit, the panorama over the Fontaine valley is magnificent.
It's a lovely place to stroll through the cobbled streets of this picture-postcard village, where everything is picturesque! Heritage and history are everywhere, and the walk is punctuated by pretty little souvenir shops, providing plenty of opportunities to bring back some lovely items, the sweet scents of Provence, and its star, lavender!
A winding road climbs through the pine forest. At the top, the panorama unfolds—spectacular!
Things to see and do in Les Baux de Provence ????
- Visit the castle, a listed historic monument
- Discover the Santons Museum and this very special tradition
- Marvel at the monumental projections of the Carrières de Lumières
Saint-Rémy de Provence, bright and artistic
It's the capital of the Alpilles! Saint-Rémy de Provence is a concentration of Provençal culture and art de vivre. This pretty village attracts celebrities and ordinary people alike. Here, people take the time to live, enjoy the delicious local produce, and linger in the small shops and art galleries. And, above all, it's a feast for the eyes! The light is beautiful, and the colors of Provence are expressed simply. It's this beautiful balance that greatly inspired Van Gogh. He painted some of his most beautiful paintings there (a must-see: the Cloister of Saint Paul de Mausole, where the painter stayed for treatment). The beautiful stones are not to be outdone! They take us back many centuries, even to Roman times, with the archaeological site of Glanum.
We also advise you to :
- Take a refreshing break at Lake Peiroou for a picnic
- Go hiking in the Alpilles massif
- Stroll through the village streets on Wednesday market day
Fontvieille and its mills
Fontvieille is an authentic Provençal village, named after a spring. Indeed, "Font" in Provençal means spring or fountain!
It was here that Alphonse Daudet found the inspiration to write his famous "Letters from My Windmill". A simple stroll around the windmill is all it takes to understand why!
Fontvieille has four mills, including the Ribet Mill, Saint Pierre Mill, or more commonly known as the Alphonse Daudet Mill. The famous mill is located on a hilltop, offering a superb panoramic view of the Alpilles Mountains. It is crisscrossed by numerous trails that can lead you to the Château de Montauban, where Daudet stayed. This beautiful residence was a place of rest and inspiration for the author.
What to do in Fontvieille?
- Sip on the terrace on the village square in the shade of the hundred-year-old plane trees
- Explore the Roman aqueducts of Barbegal
- Taste the good products of local producers
Maussane-les-Alpilles, a concentrate of Provençal flavors
The pretty village of Maussane-les-Alpilles is surrounded by olive groves. It's here that you'll find one of the region's treasures: AOP Vallée des Baux-de-Provence olive oil. This oil is renowned for its high quality and intense, fruity notes!
Maussane is the epitome of the Provençal way of life. The cafés in the village square are popular with locals, and the village is always bustling with activity!
We love: ❤️
- Enjoy the coolness of the Four Seasons Fountain in the village square of Maussane
- Explore the scrubland of the Pène mountain range and the Castillon Towers
- Taste the AOP Vallée des Baux-de-Provence olive oil
Eygalières, Provençal jewel
The village of Eygalières is located on the northeastern slope of the Alpilles mountain range, atop a hill. Once you arrive in Eygalières, a mosaic of landscapes bearing all the hallmarks of Provence unfolds before your eyes: endless olive groves, vineyards, and lush green valleys. It's a real postcard!
This peaceful village has retained its authenticity. The old stone houses have been tastefully renovated and blend perfectly with the surrounding vegetation.
We recommend spending the day there to discover its heritage: oratories, fountains and wash houses, but also to enjoy Provençal cuisine in the charming restaurants and cafés of the village.
We love ❤️❤️❤️
- Contemplate the Saint-Sixte Chapel and its cypress trees
- Shopping at the market on Friday morning
- Set off by bike on the small paths and cross the magnificent landscapes of the Alpilles
The Alpilles offer a multitude of outdoor activities with the following as a backdrop: scrubland, vineyards, olive groves and rock. The panoramas are breathtaking and each path reveals a different facet of Provence.
Heritage lovers, epicureans or adventurers in search of thrills, the Alpilles and Les Baux de Provence bring together all the ingredients for an unforgettable getaway in the sun!
