What to do in the Alpilles in summer when it’s hot? Our top spots for cooling off

The Alpilles mountain range, with its white limestone cliffs, olive groves and villages steeped in history, is a gem of Provence. But when a heatwave hits the Bouches-du-Rhône, the search for a cool spot becomes the main focus of the holiday.

Nestled at the foot of the cliffs of Orgon, in a wooded valley, the 4* Camping La Vallée Heureuse is the ideal base for exploring the region whilst staying cool. Between our swimming pool and the lake just a stone’s throw away, here is our expert guide to enjoying the Alpilles in the cool of the day.

1. The Carrières de Lumières in Les Baux-de-Provence: a natural 16°C

This is the go-to spot in the mountains to beat the heat. Located in the heart of the Val d’Enfer, these former underground limestone quarries are impressive for their monumental size (14 metres high).

2. Lake Peïroou in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Although swimming is prohibited there to protect the ecosystem, Lake Peïroou (a historic artificial reservoir dating back to ancient times) is a peaceful, wooded haven.

3. A refreshing look at Romanesque architecture

If you want to visit the traditional villages of Provence without suffering from the heat, a good tip is to follow the route marked by the old, thick stone walls:

• The Church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption in Orgon: Within walking distance of the campsite, this 14th-century church has stone walls so thick that they keep out the summer heat. A place of tranquillity and historic coolness.
• The Chapel of Saint-Sixte in Eygalières: Perched on its rocky outcrop, its interior of rough-hewn stone remains a perfect cool retreat during a morning stroll.

4. Artisanal ice creams and chilled cellars: the gems of local cuisine

Refreshment also comes through the taste buds and discovering the local flavours of the Alpilles. To combine fine dining with a refreshing experience, there are two unmissable stops near the campsite:

• La Glace des Alpilles in Eyguières:
  • The experience: Located just 15 minutes from Orgon, this renowned artisan ice-cream maker produces exceptional ice creams and sorbets. It’s the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a refreshing break whilst sampling local flavours that evoke the scents of Provence: Cavaillon melon, fig, lavender, or even Alpilles almonds.
  • Practical information: The shop and its tasting area are open all summer, Monday to Saturday from 9.00 am to 12.30 pm and from 2.00 pm to 6.30 pm. Address: Avenue de la Première Division Française Libre, Eyguières.
• A refreshing break at Château Romanin (Saint-Rémy-de-Provence):
  • The experience: Nestled against the northern slope of the Alpilles (12 minutes from the campsite), this pioneering biodynamic estate boasts a unique cathedral-like cellar, entirely carved out of limestone. The natural stone walls keep it wonderfully cool even in the height of summer. The guided tour of the cellars is followed by a tasting of their fine white and rosé wines from the Les Baux-de-Provence AOP.
  • The tasting cellar is open during the high season (April to October) Monday to Saturday, from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and from 2.00 pm to 7.00 pm. On Sundays and public holidays, it is open from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and from 2.30 pm to 6.30 pm. To visit the cathedral cellar, advance booking is required via their Château Romanin booking platform.

5. Canoeing and a refreshing dip along the Durance

The Durance, which runs along the northern edge of the Alpilles, offers superb opportunities for water-based activities.

• Your trusted provider: For a safe family trip down the river, the campsite team recommends AFDA Canoë, the only authorised professional hire service on this stretch of the river. Their base is located in Lauris (about a 25-minute drive from the campsite) and they offer very accessible routes of 8 km (Cadenet – Lauris) or 18 km along the river.
• Alternative glisse : Pour les adolescents et amateurs de sensations fortes, le Dynamite Wakepark à Arles propose du téléski nautique sur un plan d’eau aménagé.

Quick Facts: The Alpilles in summer

• Where can you cool off in Orgon? By the shores of Lake Lavau or in the swimming pool at Camping La Vallée Heureuse.
• What is the temperature at the Carrières de Lumières? It is a constant 16°C inside the underground galleries.
• Is swimming allowed in the lakes of the Alpilles? Swimming in natural waters is prohibited in the mountain range (Peïroou, Lavau) for safety and environmental reasons. Please use the swimming pools and water parks in the surrounding area instead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best campsite with a swimming pool and a lake in the Alpilles?

Camping La Vallée Heureuse in Orgon features a large outdoor swimming pool reserved for its guests, as well as direct access to Lake Lavau, offering an exceptional, cool natural setting at the foot of the massif’s cliffs.

Where can you find some shade for a walk in the Alpilles when it’s really hot?

The forest trails around Lake Peïroou in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and the wooded valley near the Orgon campsite are two areas particularly recommended for enjoying the shade of the pine trees and the coolness of the hills.

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By choosing Camping La Vallée Heureuse, you’re opting for a holiday that moves to the rhythm of Provence. True to the Pausado group’s values of a warm, friendly atmosphere and eco-responsible tourism, our site is designed so that everyone can find their own spot in the shade. After a day exploring the treasures of the mountains, the restaurant “Chez Titi” and our team await you by the water’s edge to prolong the gentle charm of summer evenings.

Fancy a refreshing, authentic summer in the Alpilles?

Discover our pitches and mobile homes and book your stay in Orgon.