Discovering the Best Hikes in the Alpilles

That’s it, for your next vacation, you’ve chosen the Alpilles. You can’t wait to explore its breathtaking landscapes, between mountains and scrubland. You are already excited about the thought of tasting the gastronomy of Bouches-du-Rhône. But most of all, you’re eager to imagine the hiking trails of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence or Cavaillon. If for you, holidays are all about walking trails, you’ll love this beautiful natural park in the south of France. And since we’re nice, at La Vallée Heureuse, we’ve selected the best hikes in the Alpilles for you.

Easy Hiking Trails in the Alpilles

One thing is for sure, the Alpilles are full of hiking trails. And despite the rugged terrain, there are easy, even very easy, circuits. For us, it was tough to choose only four, but by focusing on variety, we’re pretty sure you’ll find something you’ll enjoy.

Les Baux-de-Provence

We’re cheating a little here, because there are many walks to do in Les Baux-de-Provence. But we want to tell you about a particular hike that combines geology and heritage. Quite normal when you’re in the heart of such an extraordinary limestone formation.
The trail starts at the Pavillon de la Reine Jeanne, a temple dedicated to Jeanne de Quiqueran, Baroness of Les Baux. It’s 10 kilometers long and will take you to Fontvieille, before returning to Les Baux. Along the way, you’ll pass old bauxite quarries, “boris” (stone huts), and impressive cliffs. The whole route represents a loop with an elevation of 240 meters. If you’re looking for an easy hike, we recommend the Chemin des Trémaïé, which starts at the parking lot on the D27A.

The Castillon Towers

Here’s another trail to classify among the easy hikes in Bouches-du-Rhône. Ideal for a Sunday family stroll, the Castillon Towers circuit in Paradou is a real treat for heritage lovers. You’ll discover the remains of the Castillon fortress, while enjoying stunning views of the Alpilles mountain range. A small loop of 5 kilometers, with an elevation of only 100 meters, perfect for all ages.

The Daudet Windmills Trail

It’s not every day you get to walk in the footsteps of a literary legend! With the Daudet Windmills trail in Fontvieille, you’ll discover the landscape that inspired “Letters from My Windmill” by Alphonse Daudet. Along this 2.3-kilometer loop, you’ll also spot an ancient Roman underground conduit and the irrigation canal of the Baux Valley. A trail filled with history and poetry!

Sénas: La Cabre and La Pécoule

Among the best activities to do in Sénas, we recommend the hike around the Pécoule. At first, you’ll be struck by this hill in the middle of the Durance plain. Then, you’ll enjoy a fantastic view of the fauna and flora of the Alpilles. Along this 5-kilometer loop, you’ll encounter bee-eaters and European rollers alongside the hoopoe, in a peaceful green setting. The perfect trail for a moment of communion with nature.

The Best Medium Difficulty Hikes in the Alpilles

We must admit, at La Vallée Heureuse, we have a preference for medium and difficult hikes. After all, it would be a shame to spend a vacation in the Alpilles and not tackle some of the more challenging terrain. So here’s our selection of hikes for those who want a more athletic experience.

The Baumayrane Crests in Les Baux-de-Provence

Probably the most eclectic of the hiking trails in Provence. This 12-kilometer circuit, with an elevation gain of almost 300 meters, will take you through cultivated lands, such as olive trees and vineyards. Then, you’ll enter the wilder side of nature on the Baumayrane crests. The winding paths of the Lombard trail may challenge you, but the view of Mont Ventoux will make it all worthwhile.

The Valdition Loop in Orgon

Orgon is a wine town, and it’s also where we’ve set up our campsite. So, to take on the 14-kilometer loop of this trail, you won’t need to travel far. Along the way, you’ll pass vineyards, the Valdition estate (once owned by François I), as well as typical Alpilles livestock, olive groves, and almond trees. Another great way to discover the fauna and flora of the Alpilles.

The Mouriès Historic Trail

This is no ordinary hike, as it follows the old railway that connected Salon to Arles. You’ll pass fields and typical regional crops: vineyards, olive trees, and fruit trees. But there’s more! Over the 19 kilometers of this circuit, you’ll encounter several oratories and the canal of the Baux Valley. And if you look up, you might even spot a great horned owl.

The Expert Trails in the Alpilles

It would be a shame to explore the trails of the Alpilles Regional Nature Park without taking on some of the more demanding ones. Here’s a list of the most challenging trails.

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: The Best Hike in Bouches-du-Rhône

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is the perfect town for hiking. While there are easy and medium trails, we want to highlight a difficult one, which will take you 6 hours of walking. Starting from the Antiques parking lot (near the mausoleum of the Julii and the Triumphal Arch), you’ll hike 16 kilometers through a land full of history. Between the archaeological site of Glanum and the Via Domitia (the oldest road in France), you’ll be well-served. Don’t forget the 450-meter elevation gain that will take you to the top of the Alpilles ridge.

The Roto in Eygalières

It’s not the elevation (barely 300 meters) that makes this trail difficult, but rather the constant ups and downs over its 10-kilometer stretch. That said, it’s worth it. Between the different stunning views, geological formations like Le Gros Calan, and the majestic wildlife (you might even spot a vulture?), this hike will definitely impress you.

The Tour des Opies

An unmissable hiking trail for lovers of walking in Bouches-du-Rhône. The Tour des Opies trail takes you to the highest point of the Alpilles range. And what a reward when you reach the top! You’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Durance plains, the Camargue, and the Rhône River. You may even catch a glimpse of the Berre lagoon. But you’ll have to earn it, climbing the 13.5 kilometers of the trail with an elevation gain of about 400 meters.

That concludes our Top 10 Best Hikes in the Alpilles. We hope this has convinced you to come and spend your vacation with us. The next step is to book your hiking holiday at our campsite!

Sources:
https://www.cheminsdesparcs.fr