{"id":5438,"date":"2025-01-14T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-14T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/la-vallee-heureuse.pausado.com\/?p=5438"},"modified":"2025-12-17T09:59:36","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T08:59:36","slug":"our-selection-of-the-best-activities-in-the-alpilles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/la-vallee-heureuse.pausado.com\/en\/discovering-the-alpilles\/our-selection-of-the-best-activities-in-the-alpilles","title":{"rendered":"Our selection of the best activities in the Alpilles"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Are you planning to spend your holidays in Provence<\/strong>? And more specifically in the Alpilles<\/strong>? You have probably already fallen in love with our landscapes<\/strong>, and we certainly won\u2019t contradict your first impression. In fact, you are likely already imagining some of the activities <\/strong>to enjoy in our mountain range. However, the Alpilles are much more than just their rugged terrain. A true land of history, they are full of remarkable sites <\/strong>to visit and villages <\/strong>that proudly showcase their heritage. Their exceptional local produce is also well worth discovering. So, to make sure you don\u2019t miss a thing in this charming area of the Bouches-du-Rh\u00f4ne<\/strong>, we have gathered the best activities in the Alpilles into one single article. All you have to do is follow the guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best visits to enjoy in the Alpilles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are many ways to discover the Alpilles<\/a>. You can choose a sporty approach, a gourmet option, or simply the pleasure of strolling. It is this last option that we will focus on here. Because the Alpilles boast extraordinary heritage, let\u2019s set off to discover the villages and cultural sites you simply can\u2019t miss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most beautiful villages in the heart of the Alpilles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is difficult to choose which villages to recommend visiting first. Instead, we decided to put ourselves in your shoes and select places that cater to different interests. Between artists\u2019 villages and more confidential sites, there is something for everyone in the Alpilles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inspiring destinations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Saint-R\u00e9my-de-Provence: you have surely already heard this name. And for good reason\u2014this small capital of the Alpilles inspired many artists, including the world-famous Vincent Van Gogh. Follow in the footsteps of the painter of the Sunflowers and let yourself be charmed by this town that perfectly embodies the Proven\u00e7al art of living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For another village with an artistic atmosphere, we recommend visiting Fontvieille, whose mills inspired none other than Alphonse Daudet. However, these buildings alone do not account for the village\u2019s charm. As you wander through its narrow streets, you will come across troglodyte houses. Further on, you can admire the meticulous work of our Roman ancestors through the aqueducts and the Barbegal Mill Complex. A destination not to be missed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An immersion in Proven\u00e7al traditions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For a true taste of Proven\u00e7al culture, you must visit Mouri\u00e8s. Beyond its reputation for olive oil production, this village nestled in the heart of the Alpilles Regional Natural Park is committed to keeping traditional festivities alive. If you are lucky enough to be in the region in June, you can take part in the \u201cF\u00eate du Ruban\u201d, deeply rooted in bullfighting traditions. In August, the Saint-Louis village festival brings Mouri\u00e8s to life. Finally, in September, come and join the famous Green Olive Festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The neighbouring village of Mouri\u00e8s, Maussane-les-Alpilles, is no less rich in Proven\u00e7al traditions, both architectural and festive. Among the landmarks to discover are, among others: the stone Map of France, the Napoleon III washhouse, the Fountain of the Four Seasons and Place Laugier de Monblan. As for festivities, between Camargue races, gardian games and the \u201cTemps Retrouv\u00e9\u201d festival in August, you will be spoiled for choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cultural sites and museums in the Alpilles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As we have already mentioned, this area of the Bouches-du-Rh\u00f4ne boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage. During your stay in the Alpilles, it is essential to discover at least one of the three sites presented here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The archaeological site of Glanum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the best activities to enjoy in Saint-R\u00e9my-de-Provence. The site of Glanum bears witness to the Greek and Roman influences on the original Gallic city. More than a century of research has revealed an exceptional architectural complex\u2014sure to leave you in awe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Saint-Paul de Mausole Cloister<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Close to the ruins of Glanum, come and discover the cloister of this famous monastery. It was here that Van Gogh was treated during the final years of his life. Naturally, Saint-Paul de Mausole has since become a cultural centre dedicated to the painter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Carri\u00e8res de Lumi\u00e8res in Les Baux-de-Provence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Les Baux-de-Provence is undoubtedly one of the villages of the Alpilles that you must visit. And for two main reasons. First, for the remains of its castle and medieval fortress, offering rare historical richness. But also for its Carri\u00e8res de Lumi\u00e8res, which rank among the best activities in the Alpilles. Imagine former limestone quarries, 14 metres high, onto which works of art are projected. Add music, and you will enjoy an extraordinary immersive experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Avignon Festival<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Purists and seasoned geographers will probably say that Avignon is not part of the Alpilles\u2014which is absolutely true. However, it is very close by. That is why we could not overlook this major monument of Proven\u00e7al culture. This performing arts festival, unique in the world due to the number of artists involved, takes place every year in July. Make the most of your holidays in the Alpilles to attend the Avignon Festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udccc Looking for a place to stay during your holidays in the Alpilles?<\/strong> Our campsite, La Vall\u00e9e Heureuse<\/strong><\/a>, located right in the heart of the massif, will be delighted to welcome you. Book your next stay now!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proven\u00e7al local produce to discover or taste<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It would have been unthinkable to talk about the best activities in the Alpilles without mentioning their local produce. In this respect too, our land is exceptionally fertile. Ready to make your mouth water?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Provence olive oil<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dating back several millennia, the Proven\u00e7al olive-growing tradition is known all over the world. In the Alpilles, there are no fewer than 350,000 olive trees and around ten olive mills. By respecting ancestral know-how, millers (oil producers) and olive growers work every day. Of course, many farms are happy to open their doors to show you how the \u201cgreen gold\u201d of the Alpilles is made\u2014or to offer tastings. A unique way to discover the Bouches-du-Rh\u00f4ne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The vineyards of the Alpilles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Alpilles are not just a land of olive trees. You will also find rows of vineyards producing red, ros\u00e9 and white wines from various grape varieties. Some are even certified IGP Alpilles or AOP Vall\u00e9e des Baux-de-Provence. Don\u2019t hesitate to visit the many wine estates in Saint-R\u00e9my-de-Provence, Eygali\u00e8res or Mouri\u00e8s, among others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proven\u00e7al markets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the Christmas markets deeply rooted in Proven\u00e7al tradition<\/a>, there is hardly a day without a local producers\u2019 market in the Alpilles. Between fruit, vegetables, local cured meats, olives and wines, you will have plenty of opportunities to taste the Proven\u00e7al terroir. And to find out which villages host markets during your holidays with us, just follow the guide.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best family-friendly activities in the Alpilles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Because children need to be kept entertained, you can be sure to find fun family activities near the campsite<\/a>. Of course, you can choose from the excursions and visits described in the first part of this article. However, we also recommend the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n