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Our selection of the best activities in the Alpilles

Discovering the Alpilles / Our selection of the best activities in the Alpilles

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Our selection of the best activities in the Alpilles

Planning to spend your holidays in Provence? And more specifically in the Alpilles? You have probably fallen in love with our landscapes, and we won’t contradict your first impression. Moreover, you must already be imagining the few activities to practice in our mountainous massif. However, the Alpilles are not limited to their relief. A true land of history, they are full of sites to visit and villages that showcase their heritage. Their exceptional terroir is also to be discovered. So, to make sure you don’t miss anything from this charming territory of the Bouches-du-Rhône, we have compiled the best activities in the Alpilles in a single article. All you have to do is follow the guide.

The best visits to make in the Alpilles


There are different ways to discover the Alpilles. You can choose the sporty way, the gastronomic option, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll. It is the latter that we will develop here. Because the Alpilles offer an extraordinary heritage, let’s discover the villages and cultural sites not to be missed.

The most beautiful villages in the heart of the Alpilles


It is difficult to make a choice to advise you which villages to visit first. Instead, we have decided to put ourselves in your shoes and have selected places that could correspond to different desires. Whether it’s artists’ villages or more confidential sites, there is something for everyone in the Alpilles.

Inspiring destinations


Saint-Rémy-de-Provence; you have probably already heard this name. And for good reason, the small capital of the Alpilles has inspired many artists, including the famous Vincent Van Gogh. So follow in the footsteps of the painter of the Sunflowers and let yourself be seduced by this typical town of the Provençal way of life.

For another village with an artistic atmosphere, we recommend visiting Fontvieille, whose mills have inspired a certain Alphonse Daudet. However, these buildings are not the only charm of the village. In its alleys, you can see troglodyte houses. Further on, you will admire the meticulous work of our Roman ancestors, via the aqueducts and the Barbegal mill. A destination not to be missed!

Immersion in Provençal traditions


For a cultural bath in Provence, you must visit Mouriès. In addition to its renowned olive oil, the village nestled in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional des Alpilles is keen to perpetuate the festivities of yesteryear. If you are lucky enough to be in the region in June, you can participate in the “Fête du Ruban,” in the pure taurine tradition. In August, it is the votive feast of Saint-Louis that animates the village. Finally, in September, come and take part in the famous green olive festival.

The neighboring commune of Mouriès, Maussane-les-Alpilles, is no exception in terms of Provençal traditions, both architectural and festive. Among the buildings to discover, we note, among others: the map of France in cut stone, the Napoleon III washhouse, the Fountain of the Four Seasons, and the Place Laugier de Monblan. As for the festivities, between Camargue races, gardians’ games, and the Festival of Time Retrieved in August, you are spoiled for choice.

Cultural sites and museums in the Alpilles


We have already mentioned it: this territory of the Bouches-du-Rhône has a rich heritage and cultural history. During your stay in the Alpilles, it is essential that you discover one of the three sites we present here.

The archaeological site of Glanum


One of the best activities to do in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. The site of Glanum bears witness to the Greek and Roman influences on the initial Gallic city. More than a century of research has revealed an exceptional architectural ensemble. Enough to fill your eyes.

The Cloister of Saint Paul de Mausole


Near the ruins of Glanum, come and discover the cloister of the famous monastery. Indeed, it is in this place that Van Gogh was cared for in the last years of his life. It is therefore natural that Saint Paul de Mausole has become a cultural center dedicated to the painter.

The Carrières de Lumières in Les Baux-de-Provence


Les Baux-de-Provence is undoubtedly one of the villages in the Alpilles to visit. And for two main reasons. Firstly, for the remains of its castle and medieval fortress, of rare historical richness. But also for its Carrières de Lumières, which are among the best activities in the Alpilles. Imagine ancient limestone quarries, 14 meters high, on which works of art are projected. Add music, and you will experience an unparalleled immersive experience.

The Avignon Festival


Purists and seasoned geographers will probably say that Avignon is not in the Alpilles. Which is totally true. However, it is very close. This is why we could not miss this monument of Provençal culture. This unique festival of performing arts, bringing together the largest number of artists in the world, takes place every year during the month of July. So take advantage of your holidays in the Alpilles to participate in the Avignon Festival.

📌 Are you looking for a place to stay during your holidays in the Alpilles? Our campsite, La Vallée heureuse, located in the heart of the massif, will be delighted to welcome you. Book your next stay now!

The Provençal terroir to discover or taste


It was unthinkable to talk about the best activities in the Alpilles without mentioning their terroir. On this side too, we can say that our soil is fertile. Ready to get your mouth watering?

Provence olive oil


Thousands of years old, the Provençal olive tradition is known worldwide. In the Alpilles, no less than 350,000 olive trees and a dozen mills extend. It is by respecting ancestral know-how that the millers (oil extractors) and olive growers (olive producers) work every day. Of course, many farms are ready to open their doors to reveal the production of the green gold of the Alpilles or to taste it. A unique way to discover the Bouches-du-Rhône.

The vineyards of the Alpilles


The Alpilles are not just a land of olive trees. You can also find rows of vines. Vines that give wines from different grape varieties, red, rosé, or white. Some are even labeled IGP Alpilles or AOP Vallée des Baux-de-Provence. Do not hesitate to discover the many wine estates of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Eygalières, or Mouriès, among others.

Provençal markets


Apart from the Christmas markets rooted in Provençal tradition, there is not a day that does not welcome a market of local producers in the Alpilles. Between fruits, vegetables, local charcuterie, olives, and wines, you will have the opportunity to taste the Provençal terroir. And to find the villages hosting the markets during your stay with us, follow the guide.

The best activities in the Alpilles to do with family


Because we have to keep them busy, our little ones, be sure to find fun activities to do with the family around the campsite. Of course, you can choose from the excursions and visits described in the first part. However, we also recommend the following:

  • the treasure hunts offered by the tourist office;
  • hiking with donkeys;
  • the Vélorail des Alpilles;
  • the Spirou Provence Park (which promises you an unusual activity in the Vaucluse, the neighboring department);
  • the activities around taurine traditions.


Sporting activities offered in the region


To the question: what to do in the Alpilles that requires physical effort? We have the answer. Even several! As we have already devoted an article to the best hikes in the Alpilles, we prefer to focus on other activities in this part. Again, you will have plenty to do during your stay in Provence.

Climbing sports in the Alpilles


Where there is rugged terrain, there is climbing! If you are spending your holidays in Provence and looking for climbing spots, we recommend the sites of the villages of Eyguières, Mouriès, and Paradou… as well as the one located just above our campsite and accessible on foot! Still in our area, you have the possibility to practice climbing in the commune of Orgon. Finally, if the Vaucluse tempts you, and you wonder what to do in Cavaillon on the weekend, we can only invite you to discover its Via Ferrata.

Cycling: the ideal sport in the Alpilles


Do you like nature walks that won’t make your calves see all the colors? Opt for the cycling path, flat and paved, which connects Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to Saint-Etienne-du-Grès (20 kilometers round trip).

Do you prefer more demanding routes and readily put yourself in the shoes of a Tour de France cyclist? Why not try the VTC or road bike on the heights of Mouriès, Paradou, or Saint-Etienne-du-Grès? For more in-depth research, you can find out more on the Chemins des Parcs website. On this same site, you will find the best VTT routes in the Alpilles.

We have made a beautiful tour of the best activities in the Alpilles. Enough to keep you busy during your holidays in Provence. Moreover, if you are looking for accommodation for your stay, do not hesitate to discover our campsite: La Vallée heureuse. You can book now!

Sources: https://www.alpillesenprovence.com/