Top 10 hikes in the Alpilles: our trail guide.

Can you hear that? It’s the distinctive sound of shoes squeaking on white limestone. Add to that the heady scent of sun-warmed thyme and the song of cicadas (if you visit in summer)… There’s no doubt about it, you’ve arrived in the Alpilles.

Here at La Vallée Heureuse, we know that the pool isn’t always enough. You’ve got itchy feet and a burning desire to see Provence from above. The problem? The mountains are full of trails, and it can be hard to choose between a short stroll after lunch and a six-hour hike.

To save you time, we’ve dusted off our trail guide. Here are our favorites, the ones we recommend without hesitation to our campers and future campers, ranked from the most “leisurely” to the most “intense.”

⚡ Summary for those in a hurry

Ideal for choosing your outing at a glance

Spot	Level	The little extra	Duration
Moulins de Daudet	🟢 Very Easy	Culture & History	1 hour
Tours de Castillon	🟢 Easy	Medieval ruins	1 hour 30 minutes
Sénas (Pécoule)	🟢 Easy	Birds & Nature	1 hour 30 minutes
Valdition (Orgon)	🟠 Moderate	Vines & Nearby departure	4 hours
Les Opies	🔴 Difficult	Highest point (360° view)	4 hrous 30 minutes

🟢 Leisurely rides (Families & Beginners)

You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to enjoy the scenery. These trails are perfect for a warm-up or an outing with the kids.

Les Baux-de-Provence: History in the open air

We’re cheating a little: everything is beautiful in Les Baux. But to avoid the crowds in the village, we recommend this wild loop focused on geology. You’ll walk through the heart of the Val d’Enfer, famous for its tortured rock formations that are said to have inspired Dante, before reaching the peaceful valley where the Pavillon de la Reine Jeanne is hidden.

The route: The trail takes you down into the valley, past the Pavillon (a Renaissance gem), then back up to the ridges via the old bauxite quarries and bories.
💡Local tip: If this loop is too long, stick to the Chemin des Trémaïé (45-minute loop) located just below the castle cliff to see the Roman steles.

Suggested starting point: (located on the D27, just below the Carrières de Lumières). From there, the trail markers will guide you to the bottom of the valley.
📍 Technical details: 10 km | Elevation gain +240m | ⏱ 3 hours

2. The Towers of Castillon (Paradou)

This is the ultimate Sunday stroll. It offers an unbeatable “effort/reward” ratio. You climb gently up to the ruins of Castillon Fortress. Once at the top, you are rewarded with panoramic views of the southern slopes of the Alpilles. Simple and effective.

Suggested starting point: Parking lot at Les Tours de Castillon, Paradou
📍Technical details: 5 km | Elevation gain +100m | ⏱ 1 hour 30 minutes

3. The Mill Trail (Fontvieille)

Walking where Alphonse Daudet found inspiration for his Lettres de mon moulin has a certain charm. It’s a short loop dotted with windmills (including the famous Ribet mill) that children will love. You’ll also come across the remains of Roman aqueducts. It’s short, but packed with discoveries.

Suggested starting point: From the Tourist Information Office, take the path that runs alongside the children’s playground, then cross the bridge.
📍 Technical details: 2.3 km | Completely flat | ⏱ 45 min – 1 hour

💡 Do you enjoy cultural activities during your vacations? Remember to check the Alpilles Regional Park website regularly to stay informed about all the local events.

4. Sénas : The Pécoule Loop

Just a stone’s throw from the Durance River, this trail circles the Pécoule hill. It’s not the highest mountain, but it’s an incredible spot for wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled: bee-eaters (those tropical-colored birds), rollers, and hoopoes love this area.

Suggested starting point: Fitness trail parking lot, Sénas
📍 Technical details: 5 km | Low elevation gain | ⏱ 1 hour 30 minutes

📌 And since hiking isn’t the only leisure activity available in the Alpilles, we invite you to discover the activities you can enjoy around our campsite.

🟠 The happy medium (For regular walkers)

Here, the climb gets a little steeper. Bring water and good shoes, as it gets serious (but doable!).

5. The Valdition Loop in Orgon

We’re playing at home! Orgon is where we’re based. This hike is extremely convenient if you’re staying at the campsite, as it saves you long car journeys. You’ll cross the superb Valdition vineyard (formerly owned by François I, no less). The scenery? Vineyards, olive trees, almond trees, and limestone cliffs. Provence in all its glory.

Suggested starting point: Urgonia Museum, Orgon
📍 Technical details: 14 km | Elevation gain +250m | ⏱ 4 hours

6. The Baumayrane Ridges

This hike has two sides to it. One part is very “agricultural,” surrounded by crops, and the other part is much wilder once you reach the ridges. The climb up the Chemin des Lombards can be a bit tough on the calves, but the view of Mont Ventoux in the distance is worth every drop of sweat.

Suggested starting point: Departure from a parking lot above the road from Maillane to Les Baux
📍 Technical details: 12 km | Elevation gain +300m | ⏱ 3h30

📌 Après la randonnée, pourquoi ne pas tenter d’autres loisirs à Orgon et Plan d’Orgon ? Il y en a pour tous les goûts, à proximité du camping de la Vallée Heureuse.

7.Mouriès: Les Caisses de Jean-Jean and the Old Railway Line

Although Mouriès is renowned as the olive oil capital, it also offers an excellent hiking trail. The trail begins at the Caisses de Jean-Jean parking lot (on the D17, at the exit of Mouriès towards Maussane).

The route is unique because it follows part of the old railway line that connected Salon to Arles, offering flat and pleasant sections before taking you up into the limestone hills of the archaeological site (Oppidum). Look up: the Caisses cliffs are a protected nesting site for the impressive eagle owls.

Suggested starting point: Caisses de Jean-Jean parking lot.
📍 Technical details: 19 km (full loop via the ridges) – Option to do only the Caisses loop (approx. 7 km) for a shorter version.
⏱ Duration: 5 hours (or 2.5 hours for the short version)

🔴 The athletic challenge (For toned calves)

Want some elevation gain? Want to earn your evening aperitif? This way, please.

8. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Glanum and the Crêtes

This is a classic route, but it’s worth the effort. Start from the Plateau des Antiques (the Roman mausoleum). You’ll climb up to the ridges, pass by the Rocher des Deux Trous (immortalized by Van Gogh) and overlook the archaeological site of Glanum. The terrain is rocky and technical, but absolutely spectacular.

Suggested starting point: Antiques parking lot (Mausoleum and Triumphal Arch).
📍 Technical details: 16 km | Elevation gain +450m | ⏱ 6 hours

📌 As mentioned above, there are many hiking trails in our area. By choosing our campsite, La Vallée Heureuse, located in the heart of the Alpilles Mountains, you are sure to find one nearby.

9. The Calans Trail in Eygalières

This trail is a must for those who love the landscapes of “Western Provence.” Don’t be fooled by its modest elevation gain on paper: the trail is like a roller coaster! You’ll walk alongside the magnificent Gros Calan (an impressive rock formation) with breathtaking views of the village of Eygalières and Mont Ventoux. It’s a wild route, where limestone rock is omnipresent.

Suggested starting point: Park in the Eygalières school parking lot along Avenue Léon Blum.
📍Technical details: 10 to 12 km (depending on route) | Elevation gain +350m | ⏱ 3.5 to 4 hours

10. The Opies Tower: The roof of the Alpilles

It would be impossible to compile this list without mentioning the highest point of the massif (498 meters). The final climb to the watchtower requires using your hands in places, but the reward is worth it: a 360° view of the Crau plain, the Camargue, the Alpilles, and sometimes even the Alps.

Suggested starting point: The hike starts at the parking lot at the Eyguières arenas. – The trail initially follows the GR®6.
Caution: The final climb to the watchtower is steep and rocky.
📍Technical details: 13.5 km | Elevation gain +400m | ⏱ 4h30

⚠️ Important note: Access to mountain ranges in summer

This is the most important information in this article. From June to September, access to the Bouches-du-Rhône mountains is regulated to prevent fires. Before setting off, make sure you check the access map (updated every day at 6 p.m. for the following day) on the Prefecture website or via the MyProvence Balade app.

⛔ Red: No entry (stay at the campsite pool!)
🟡 Yellow: Entry permitted.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which IGN map should you use for the Alpilles? The reference map is IGN 3043OT (Saint-Rémy-de-Provence / Les Alpilles). Essential for hiking off the beaten track.

Can we bring our dog? Yes, dogs are welcome in the Regional Nature Park, but must be kept on a leash at all times. This is crucial for the preservation of wildlife (especially in spring during nesting season) and to avoid disturbing livestock.

Where to stay for hiking in the Alpilles? By choosing La Vallée Heureuse in Orgon, you are strategically located at the eastern entrance to the massif. You can quickly access all the trailheads mentioned here, while enjoying peace and quiet on your return.

So, are you ready to discover the best hikes in the Alpilles?

After all that effort, it’s time to relax! Book your accommodation at Camping La Vallée Heureuse in Orgon. Located at the gateway to the Alpilles, we are the ideal base camp for exploring all these trails without spending hours on the road. A swimming pool, relaxation, and a friendly atmosphere await you when you return from your walks.

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