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Focus on the Best Summer Activities in the Alpilles When You’re Looking to Keep Cool

Outside the Campsite / Focus on the Best Summer Activities in the Alpilles When You’re Looking to Keep Cool

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Focus on the Best Summer Activities in the Alpilles When You’re Looking to Keep Cool

This summer, you’ll be spending your holidays in the Alpilles. No doubt you’ve been drawn by the landscapes and the immersion in nature that our rolling hills offer. But, like anyone preparing to stay in Provence, you’ll also be on the lookout for activities to enjoy in the event of a heatwave. Fortunately, the Regional Natural Park and its surroundings are full of opportunities to make the most of the season, despite the soaring temperatures. That’s why, in this article, we present the best summer activities in the Alpilles to combine relaxation, coolness, and authenticity.

Water-Based Activities in and Around the Alpilles

Swimming Spots in and Around the Alpilles

We won’t hide it from you – there aren’t really any unmissable natural swimming spots within the Alpilles. There are rivers and lakes here, but swimming is not allowed. In that case, your only option is to take a dip a little further afield. Here are the places we recommend.

Pools and Aquatic Centres
If you’re wondering where to swim in Orgon and the surrounding area, you have several options:

  • The Cavaillon aquatic centre
  • The municipal pool in Mallemort
  • The municipal water sports centre in Salon-de-Provence

Of course, there’s also a pool right here in Orgon, at our very own La Vallée Heureuse campsite. However, it’s only accessible to our guests.

Nearby Beaches
If you prefer wild swimming, we recommend heading north. Just a few dozen kilometres from the Alpilles, you’ll find some of the best swimming spots in the Luberon. These are our favourites:

  • Étang de la Bonde in Cabrières-d’Aigues
  • Lac des Salettes in Mormoiron
  • Lac du Paty in Caromb

All of these spots have kept their natural charm – perfect for a peaceful, refreshing break.

Places to Cool Off by the Water in the Alpilles

Even if swimming isn’t always possible here, you can still enjoy the freshness of the water’s edge. Simply head to the lakes and rivers in the Alpilles:

  • Lac de Peïroou in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence – the perfect spot for a shady walk among the pines
  • Étang de Rambaille and its canals at the foot of the Regional Natural Park – ideal for fishing, solo or with the family
  • Étang des Aulnes near Saint-Martin-de-Crau
  • The canals of La Crau and the Alpilles
  • The Durance – the river marking the boundary between Vaucluse and Bouches-du-Rhône

Water Sports in Bouches-du-Rhône and Vaucluse

Nothing beats water sports for cooling off in the height of summer. So why not try some aquatic activities in the Alpilles – or more widely, in Provence? We recommend:

  • Canoeing on the Durance, the Sorgue, or the Rhône
  • Dynamique Wakepark in Arles
  • And for a wider range (jet ski, paddleboarding, etc.), head further south, around Marseille

Water Parks and Lakeside Bases Near the Regional Natural Park

If you’re looking for places to swim near Sénas, you’ll find several must-visit spots:

  • The Plan d’Eau de la Riaille in Apt – a floating pool with an aquabase, in a beautiful natural setting
  • The lake in Monteux’s eco-district, near Carpentras – with an inflatable park and plenty of water-based activities
  • Wave Island in Monteux – a 100% water-based theme park, perfect for lively days with family or friends

Activities to Enjoy in the Cool of the Day

When temperatures soar but you still want to discover the local heritage, the trick is to go exploring during the cooler hours – the same goes for sports. Here are our favourite things to do in the Alpilles at sunrise.

Visit the Traditional Villages of Provence

No trip to the region would be complete without visiting the villages of the Alpilles. Each has its own special charm, but all share one word: authenticity. Choosing between them isn’t easy, but here’s our top pick:

  • Saint-Rémy-de-Provence – the artists’ village immortalised by Vincent van Gogh
  • Fontvieille – whose windmills inspired Alphonse Daudet
  • Mouriès – France’s number one olive-growing village
  • Eygalières – a quaint little town perched on its rocky peak
  • Le Paradou – a former medieval village
  • Les Baux-de-Provence – one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”

Early Morning Hikes

There’s no shortage of hiking trails in Bouches-du-Rhône – in fact, we’ve put together our own selection of the best walks in the Alpilles. And if you want to enjoy a little freshness, why not choose a route that follows a watercourse? Many of the water spots mentioned earlier are located along popular walking trails. You can find paths to suit you on sites like Visorando and Chemins des Parcs.

Climbing and Cycling – Signature Outdoor Sports in the Alpilles

After exploring on foot, why not try some of the area’s signature sports? Outside of hiking, the Alpilles are perfect for two main activities: climbing and cycling.

For climbing, we recommend the sites in Eyguières, Le Paradou, and Mouriès… as well as the one accessible on foot from our campsite!

As for cycling, there’s the bike path linking Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to Saint-Etienne-du-Grès (20 km round trip) – an easy, paved route ideal for families. If you’re feeling more ambitious, road cycling or mountain biking in the hills around Le Paradou, Mouriès, or Saint-Etienne-du-Grès will give you a proper challenge – perfect for aspiring Tour de France competitors!

📌 To discover all the leisure activities in our area, take a look at our article on the best things to do in the Alpilles.

Visiting Naturally Cool Places – One of the Best Summer Activities in the Alpilles

If the cool air won’t come to you, you might as well go looking for it. Luckily, there are plenty of refreshing spots near our campsite in Orgon. Here are a few to try.

Carrières de Lumières
The jewel of Les Baux-de-Provence! This former limestone quarry, with walls 14 metres high, is naturally cool. Even better, it hosts a breathtaking sound-and-light show.

The Château of Les Baux-de-Provence
An ideal visit for discovering a gem of Provençal heritage without suffering from the heat. The centuries-old stones of the château stay pleasantly cool – a welcome contrast to the blazing southern sun.

Village Churches
As we mentioned earlier, the villages of the Alpilles are well worth exploring – even more so in the heat. And what better place to escape the midday sun than a church? As you wander through the charming villages, take a moment to step into their chapels and churches – it’s one of the simplest yet most delightful ways to combine sightseeing with staying cool.

Tasty and Refreshing Activities

Provence is famous not only for its landscapes but also for its traditions and gastronomy – which can bring you the refreshment you’re craving during a heatwave.

Enjoy an Artisan Ice Cream
Summers are hot in the Alpilles, which is why you’ll find plenty of ice cream shops in towns and villages. But if we had to recommend just one, it would be La Glacière des Alpilles in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

Have an Apéritif on a Shaded Terrace
In the South, the apéritif is sacred. Whether you’re a pastis lover (in moderation!) or not, take a seat on a terrace in the early evening and order your favourite drink. Pair it with a few local specialities, and your taste buds will be in heaven.

Visit a Local Wine Cellar and Taste a Chilled Rosé
Provence isn’t just lavender, olive oil, and cicadas – it’s also wine! And where there’s wine, there are cool, shaded cellars to visit. Discover the wine estates of the Alpilles for a refreshing tasting – a perfect way to combine pleasure and cool comfort.

The Perfect Summer Accommodation in the Alpilles – A Campsite by a Lake

We’re lucky to have a campsite in the heart of the Alpilles, with Lac du Lavau right next door – making it one of the best holiday rental spots during a heatwave.

Choosing La Vallée Heureuse for the Values of the Pausado Group
Camping is an ideal way to stay in the Alpilles – and even better when the campsite shares our values. At Pausado, our sites are set in nature, with something for every generation. More than just holiday spots, they’re true living spaces, designed to encourage encounters and shared moments. Our welcome is sincere, human, and attentive, reflecting our values. Committed to more responsible tourism, we promote recycling, support short supply chains, and trust local talent.

Facilities at Our Orgon Campsite
Now that you know our values, you won’t be surprised by the many facilities at La Vallée Heureuse. Everything is designed for your comfort and enjoyment: a swimming pool, sports grounds, activities for all ages, lively and friendly evening events. The “Chez Titi” restaurant, bar, and bakery service make everyday life easier, while our laundry room and grocery shop ensure your stay is as practical as it is pleasant.

Now you’re ready to make the most of your holidays in the Alpilles without suffering from the heat. And if you find the perfect place to stay, all the better! With our La Vallée Heureuse campsite in Orgon, you’re sure to enjoy your holiday in the best conditions. Book your refreshing summer break in the heart of the Alpilles today!