Attractions and Places To See in Alpilles - Top 20

The Alpilles are rich in history. You can visit the ancient Greek and Roman city of Glanum, where you'll find well-preserved ruins including the impressive Glanum Triumphal Arch. Another significant historical landmark is the medieval hilltop village of Les Baux-de-Provence, home to the extensive ruins of the Château des Baux, offering magnificent panoramic views. The region also features sites like the Alphonse Daudet's Windmill in Fontvieille and the ruins of Montmajour Abbey.

Yes, the Alpilles offer several family-friendly options. Exploring the charming Saint-Rémy-de-Provence Old Town is a great experience for all ages, with its medieval houses, shaded squares, and vibrant markets. The Carrières de Lumières, a unique multimedia art venue near Les Baux-de-Provence, offers captivating light and sound shows projected onto massive quarry walls, which can be very engaging for children and adults alike.

The Alpilles are defined by the Parc Naturel Régional des Alpilles, a protected area of dramatic, craggy limestone formations, extensive olive groves, and vineyards. You can enjoy natural sites such as Lake Peïroou, the Durance valley, the Rambaille pond, and the Crau canals, which are perfect for walks and enjoying the serene environment. The region is also home to diverse wildlife, including 250 bird species and 19 bat species.

The Alpilles boast numerous hiking trails suitable for various skill levels. For easy walks, consider routes like the one from Les Baux-de-Provence offering a View of the Alpilles or the trail around the Site archéologique de Glanum. More challenging options include trails in Eygalières like the "Arboretum du Badon" and "Calans" trails, which provide panoramic views of the valley and limestone peaks. You can find more detailed routes in the Easy hikes in Alpilles guide.

Beyond the well-known Les Baux-de-Provence and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, you can explore other picturesque villages such as Eygalières, known for its castle ruins and stunning views. Maussane-les-Alpilles is another delightful village, famous for its olive oil production and a central square with inviting cafés and restaurants. Fontvieille, Mouriès, and Le Paradou also offer a relaxed Provençal atmosphere with quaint fountains and shaded squares.

Yes, the Alpilles offer excellent cycling opportunities. You can find a variety of routes, from moderate to difficult, that take you through olive groves and scenic landscapes. Popular options include the "Boucles du 13: Alpilles - Val d'Enfer Trail" or a loop from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence that includes View of Les Baux-de-Provence. Explore more options in the Cycling in Alpilles guide.

The Alpilles Regional Natural Park is a haven for wildlife, particularly birds. You might spot Bonelli's eagles, kestrels, and Egyptian vultures soaring above the craggy peaks. The park also hosts 19 bat species and hundreds of insect species, making it a great destination for nature observation.

Absolutely! The Alpilles provide diverse terrain for mountain biking. Trails like the "Desert of the Alpilles – Gravel in the Alpilles loop" from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence or the "Very nice track – Lake Peïroou loop" from Eygalières offer exciting rides. You can discover more trails and their difficulty levels in the MTB Trails in Alpilles guide.

The Alpilles region is rich in cultural experiences. Many villages host vibrant Provençal markets, such as the one in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (held on Wednesdays and Saturdays), where you can find local products, scents, and colors. The region is also renowned for its olive oil and wine, offering opportunities for tasting experiences to savor local flavors.

Beyond historical sites, the Carrières de Lumières near Les Baux-de-Provence offers a truly unique immersive art experience, projecting masterpieces onto the walls of a former quarry. Additionally, the town of Arles, while just outside the immediate Alpilles range, is a significant cultural capital known for its Roman amphitheatres and artistic events like Les Rencontres d'Arles for photography.

Visitors frequently praise the Alpilles for its blend of stunning natural beauty and rich historical heritage. They particularly enjoy the panoramic views from places like the View of Les Baux-de-Provence, the charm of villages like Saint-Rémy-de-Provence Old Town with its lively markets, and the peaceful atmosphere found on the numerous hiking and cycling trails through olive groves and vineyards.