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 will be spending your holidays in the Alpilles. No doubt you were attracted by the landscapes and the immersion in nature that our hilly region offers. But like anyone preparing to stay in Provence, you are looking for things to do in case of intense heat. Luckily, the Regional Nature Park and its surroundings offer plenty of opportunities to make the most of the summer season, despite the heatwave. That’s why, in this article, we present the best activities to do in the Alpilles in summer, combining 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 any real must-see swimming spots in the Alpilles. There are rivers and lakes in the area, but they are not open for swimming. Under these circumstances, you’ll have no choice but to go for a dip in the surrounding area. Discover the places we recommend.

Pools and Aquatic Centres

When looking for places to swim in Orgon and the surrounding area, there are several options available:

  • 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 diving in the heart of nature, we highly recommend heading north. A few dozen kilometres from the Alpilles, you will discover the best beaches for swimming in the Luberon. Here are the ones we particularly like:

  • Bonde Pond in Cabrières-d’Aigues
  • Lake Salettes in Mormoiron
  • Lac du Paty in Caromb

These locations have all retained their authentic setting. They are perfect for refreshing breaks in complete tranquillity.

Places to Cool Off by the Water in the Alpilles

Although it is not easy to swim in our region, you can still cool off by the water. All you need to do is visit the lakes and rivers of the Alpilles. Here are some that we invite you to discover:

  • 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

There’s nothing better than water sports to cool off in the heatwave. So why not try water sports in the Alpilles and, by extension, water activities in Provence? Among the options available, we recommend:

  • canoe trips on the Durance, Sorgue or Rhône rivers,
  • Dynamique Wakepark, in Arles,
  • For a wider range of activities (jet skiing, paddle boarding, etc.), consider travelling further south to the Marseille area.

Water parks and water sports centres around the Regional Nature Park

When looking for places to swim in the Sénas area, there are several must-visit locations:

  • the Riaille lake in Apt, a floating swimming pool with aquabase, in a magnificent natural setting,
  • the lake in the Monteux eco-neighbourhood, near Carpentras, equipped with an inflatable park and numerous water sports activities,
  • Wave Island, also in Monteaux, is a water park dedicated entirely to slides, ideal for action-packed days out with family or friends.

Activities to enjoy in the cool air

When the mercury rises but you still want to enjoy the heritage of your holiday destination, you have no choice but to go sightseeing during the cooler hours of the day. The same goes for sporting activities. Here is a list of things to do in the Alpilles at sunrise.

Visit the typical villages of Provence

You cannot visit our region without exploring the villages of the Alpilles. Each one has its own unique charm, but they all share one thing in common: authenticity. It is not easy to choose between the gems of the region, but we have nevertheless selected our top picks:

  • Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the artists’ village, immortalised by Vincent Van Gogh,
  • Fontvieille, whose mills inspired a certain Alphonse Daudet,
  • Mouriès, France’s leading olive-growing town,
  • Eygalières, the small town perched on its rocky outcrop,Eygalières, la petite cité plantée sur son piton rocheux,
  • Le Paradou, an ancient medieval village,
  • And finally, the Cité des Baux-de-Provence, one of the most beautiful villages in France.

Hiking during mild weather

There are plenty of hiking trails in the Bouches-du-Rhône region. In fact, we have put together our selection of the best hikes in the Alpilles. And if you want to enjoy a bit of cool air during your sporting activity, why not go hiking along the water’s edge? The water sources mentioned in the first part of the article can be found on many walking trails. Feel free to search for trails that suit you on the Visorando and Chemins des Parcs websites.

Climbing and cycling: sporting experiences not to be missed in the Alpilles

After enjoying nature walks, why not try some typical Alpilles sports? Apart from hiking, our region is ideal for two physical activities: climbing and cycling.

For climbing sports, we recommend the sites in the villages of Eyguières, Le Paradou and Mouriès… as well as the one above our campsite, which is accessible on foot!For climbing sports, we recommend the sites in the villages of Eyguières, Le Paradou and Mouriès… as well as the one above our campsite, which is accessible on foot!

When it comes to cycling, you can opt for the cycle path that connects Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to Saint-Etienne-du-Grès (20 kilometres round trip). This is an easy, tarmaced route, ideal for an outing with children. However, if you want to compete with the Tour de France riders, try a hybrid or racing bike. The hills of Paradou, Mouriès and Saint-Etienne-du-Grès are perfect for this.

📌 To discover all the leisure activities available in our region, read our article on the best activities in the Alpilles.

Visiting naturally cool places: one of the best activities in the Alpilles in summer

When coolness doesn’t come to you, you might as well go and find it. Fortunately, we know of some places that fit the bill, around our campsite in Orgon. Let us tell you about them right now.

The Carrières de Lumières

The gem of Les Baux-de-Provence! A former limestone quarry, 14 metres high, is bound to be a haven of coolness. To top it all off, you will be treated to a breathtaking sound and light show.

The castle of Les Baux-de-Provence

An ideal visit to discover a jewel of Provençal heritage without suffering from the heat. The old stones of the castle, steeped in history, retain a pleasant coolness that contrasts with the heat of the southern sun. The perfect combination!

The churches of Provençal villages

As we explained above, the villages of the Alpilles deserve your full attention. Especially when it’s hot outside. What better place to escape the heat in the middle of summer than a church? Take advantage of your visits to picturesque villages to stop off at chapels and churches. This is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in the Alpilles in summer when you’re looking for a cool place to visit while sightseeing.

Refreshing gourmet activities

Provence is not only renowned for its landscapes. Its traditions and gastronomy are also worth a visit, especially during a heatwave, when they can bring you some much-needed refreshment. Just follow the guide! Provence is not only renowned for its landscapes. Its traditions and gastronomy are also worth a visit, especially during a heatwave, when they can bring you some much-needed refreshment. All you have to do is follow the guide!

Enjoy some homemade ice cream

Summer is hot in the Alpilles. That’s why you’ll find lots of ice cream parlours in the towns and villages of the region. But if we can give you one tip for where to enjoy your ice cream, here’s a must-visit address: La Glacière des Alpilles in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

Enjoy an aperitif on a shaded terrace

In the South, aperitifs are sacred. Whether you’re a fan of pastis (to be enjoyed in moderation) or not, don’t hesitate to take a seat on the terrace in the early evening and order your favourite drink. And if you accompany it with a few local specialities to sample, your taste buds are in for a treat!

Visit a wine cellar in the Alpilles and taste a chilled rosé wine

Provence isn’t just about lavender, olive oil and cicadas. It’s also about wine! And when you think of wine, you think of cellars… sheltered from the heat. So set off to discover the cellars of the Alpilles for a refreshing tasting session. One of the best activities in the Alpilles in summer, combining coolness with pleasure.

The ideal accommodation for a summer holiday in the Alpilles: a campsite near a lake

We are fortunate to own a campsite in the Alpilles mountains. With Lake Lavau right next door, it is one of the ideal holiday rental locations during hot weather. Discover our estate in the heart of an exceptional landscape.

Choosing La Vallée Heureuse for the values of the Pausado Group

Camping is undoubtedly the ideal form of accommodation in the Alpilles. But a campsite that shares our values is even better. At Pausado, our sites are nestled in the heart of nature, with something for every generation. More than just holiday destinations, they are genuine living spaces, designed to encourage encounters and shared moments. The welcome is sincere, friendly and attentive, in keeping with our values. Committed to more responsible tourism, we encourage recycling, support short supply chains and trust in local talent.

The services offered by our campsite in Orgon

Now that you know our values, you won’t be surprised to discover the many services offered at La Vallée Heureuse. Everything on site is designed for your comfort and enjoyment: swimming pool, sports fields, entertainment for young and old, festive and convivial evenings. In addition, the “Chez Titi” restaurant, bar and bakery service make your daily life easier. You will also find a laundrette and a grocery store, making your stay as convenient as it is enjoyable.

Now you’re all set to beat the heat during your holiday in the Alpilles. And if you can find the ideal place to stay, it will be a complete success. With our La Vallée Heureuse campsite in Orgon, you can be sure to enjoy your stay in the best conditions. So, book your next refreshing holiday at our campsite in the heart of the Alpilles now!