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The Alpilles: a complete guide to discovering one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in Provence

  • alban harly
  • Jun 6
  • 7 min read

Visiting the Alpilles: a complete guide to discovering one of the most beautiful regions of Provence

Between hilltop villages, centuries-old olive groves, limestone cliffs, and exceptional light, the Alpilles embody the very soul of Provence. Located between Arles, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, and Salon-de-Provence, this mountain range, designated a Regional Natural Park, offers a remarkable diversity of landscapes and appeals to heritage enthusiasts as well as those passionate about nature, hiking, gastronomy, and the art of living.

Easily accessible from Arles, the Alpilles are an ideal destination for a weekend getaway or a longer stay. To plan your trip, you can consult the website of the Alpilles Regional Natural Park ( https://www.parc-alpilles.fr/ ) as well as that of Alpilles en Provence ( https://www.alpillesenprovence.com/ ), which offer numerous suggestions for visits and itineraries.

Many travelers also choose to stay in Arles to easily explore the Alpilles and the Camargue. The charming accommodations offered by La Maison de Thaïs ( https://www.lamaisondethais.fr/ ) provide an excellent starting point for discovering the entire region.

Why visit the Alpilles?

The Alpilles possess a unique charm. Here, Provence reveals itself in all its authenticity:

  • villages of character;

  • olive groves and vineyards;

  • garrigue scented with thyme and rosemary;

  • ancient and medieval heritage;

  • Provençal markets;

  • hiking trails and cycling routes;

  • gastronomy and lifestyle.

The mountain range can be explored on foot, by bike or by car, making it an ideal destination for all travelers.

The most beautiful villages of the Alpilles

Les Baux-de-Provence

Classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Les Baux-de-Provence is one of the must-see sites in the Alpilles.

Perched on its rocky spur, the village offers exceptional panoramic views of Provence. Its cobbled streets, the remains of the medieval castle and the famous Carrières de Lumières attract visitors from all over the world every year.

The official website of Les Baux-de-Provence allows you to plan your visit: https://www.lesbauxdeprovence.com/

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is undoubtedly the most emblematic town in the massif. Its elegant atmosphere, art galleries, shaded squares and famous Provençal market attract visitors in every season.

Near the historic center, the ancient site of Glanum and the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole monastery recall the passage of Vincent Van Gogh, who created some of his major works here.

More information about visits and events: https://www.saintremy-de-provence.com/

Maussane-les-Alpilles

Renowned for its AOP Vallée des Baux-de-Provence olive oil, Maussane-les-Alpilles charms visitors with its authentic atmosphere and relaxed way of life. The shaded terraces, fountains, and surrounding olive groves make it a particularly pleasant place to stop.

Fontvieille

Just a few kilometers from Arles, Fontvieille is inextricably linked to the world of Alphonse Daudet. Its famous windmill, pine forests and walking paths offer a peaceful setting to discover another facet of Provence.

Eygalières and Mouriès

These more secluded villages charm with their authenticity. Shaded squares, Provençal markets and olive groves create a typically Provençal setting, ideal for taking the time to stroll.

The most beautiful hikes in the Alpilles

The Alpilles Regional Natural Park offers many trails accessible to all levels.

The Baux-de-Provence loop

This easy hike allows you to discover the iconic limestone landscapes of the massif.

Distance: 6 to 10 kilometers.

Its strengths:

  • panoramic views of the valley;

  • scrubland and olive groves;

  • typical landscapes of Provence.

The Alpilles mountain ridges

More athletic, this hike offers exceptional views of the Camargue, the Crau plain, the Luberon and sometimes Mont Ventoux.

Distance: 15 to 20 kilometers.

Before any hike, it is recommended to check the access conditions to the mountain ranges on the website of the Alpilles Regional Natural Park:

The trails around Fontvieille

Easy and accessible, they allow you to discover the mills, pine forests and landscapes that inspired Alphonse Daudet.

Discover the Alpilles by bike

The Alpilles are also an ideal destination for cycling enthusiasts.

Among the most beautiful routes:

  • Arles – Fontvieille – Les Baux-de-Provence – Saint-Rémy-de-Provence;

  • Maussane-les-Alpilles – Eygalières;

  • the small roads lined with cypress and olive trees.

The Alpilles en Provence website also offers several suggested itineraries:

Heritage and culture

The Carrières de Lumières

Located in Les Baux-de-Provence, the Carrières de Lumières offer an exceptional immersive show dedicated to great artists every year.

Glanum

In Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the archaeological site of Glanum testifies to the importance of the Roman presence in the region.

Following in Van Gogh's footsteps

Arles and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence still preserve many places associated with the Dutch painter. The light of the Alpilles profoundly influenced his work.

The heritage of Arles

Less than twenty minutes from the Alpilles, Arles perfectly complements a stay in the region. Its Roman Arena, ancient theatre and historic streets have earned it a place on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Gastronomy and the art of living

Discovering the Alpilles also means enjoying a generous and authentic cuisine.

Among the must-try specialties:

  • PDO Vallée des Baux-de-Provence olive oil;

  • the wines of Les Baux-de-Provence;

  • goat cheeses;

  • the markets of Provence;

  • Mediterranean cuisine.

The restaurants in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Maussane or Arles allow you to fully appreciate the local flavors.

When to visit the Alpilles?

In spring

This is probably the most beautiful season. The temperatures are mild and nature is in bloom.

In summer

The light is exceptional, but hikes are best done early in the morning.

In autumn

The colours become warmer and the temperatures remain very pleasant.

In winter

Calm returns and the landscapes benefit from a light that is particularly appreciated by photographers.

An ideal three-day itinerary in the Alpilles

Day 1

  • discovery of Arles;

  • Fontvieille;

  • Sunset at Les Baux-de-Provence.

Day 2

  • Saint-Rémy-de-Provence;

  • Glanum;

  • Carrières de Lumières;

  • dinner in Maussane-les-Alpilles.

Day 3

  • hiking in the Alpilles Natural Park;

  • discovery of the Camargue;

  • return to Arles.

Why stay in Arles to visit the Alpilles?

Thanks to its privileged location between the Camargue and the Alpilles, Arles is one of the best bases for exploring Provence.

In less than thirty minutes, it is possible to reach Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Les Baux-de-Provence, Maussane-les-Alpilles or Fontvieille, while enjoying the exceptional heritage of the city of Arles.

Staying in the historic center also allows you to enjoy the restaurants, markets, and unique atmosphere of Arles' narrow streets. The charming rooms and apartments offered by La Maison de Thaïs ( https://www.lamaisondethais.fr/ ) are an excellent starting point for exploring the Alpilles at your own pace.

Conclusion

An iconic destination in Provence, the Alpilles region captivates visitors with its authenticity, luminous landscapes, and charming villages. Between hiking, heritage sites, gastronomy, and a relaxed lifestyle, it offers a concentrated dose of everything that makes the South so appealing.

Whether you're coming for a few days or a full week, the Alpilles are ideally explored from Arles, at the crossroads of Provence and the Camargue. This privileged location allows you to easily explore the most beautiful sites of the mountain range while enjoying the timeless charm of Arles and its art of living.



FAQ: Everything you need to know to visit the Alpilles

How many days do you need to visit the Alpilles?

A weekend is enough to discover must-see spots like Les Baux-de-Provence and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. To fully enjoy the mountain range, the villages, the hikes, and the local cuisine, it's best to plan for between 4 and 7 days.

What is the best time to visit the Alpilles?

Spring and autumn are generally the most pleasant seasons. Temperatures are mild, the crowds are smaller, and the scenery is particularly beautiful.

What are the most beautiful villages in the Alpilles?

Among the must-see villages are:

  • Les Baux-de-Provence;

  • Saint-Rémy-de-Provence;

  • Maussane-les-Alpilles;

  • Eygalières;

  • Mouriès;

  • Fontvieille.

The official Alpilles en Provence website offers many ideas for visits:

Is it possible to visit the Alpilles without a car?

The car remains the most practical way to explore the entire mountain range. However, some excursions can be done by bicycle or starting from Arles and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

Where to hike in the Alpilles?

The ridge trails, the Baux-de-Provence loop and the paths around Fontvieille are among the most beautiful hikes in the massif.

Information regarding access to the mountain ranges is available at:

Where to stay when visiting the Alpilles?

Arles is an excellent base for exploring the region thanks to its location between the Camargue and the Alpilles. From the historic centre, it is easy to reach Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Les Baux-de-Provence or Maussane-les-Alpilles.

To discover charming accommodations and apartments located in the heart of Arles:

What to do around the Alpilles?

A stay in the Alpilles also offers the opportunity to discover:

  • Arles and its Roman monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites;

  • the Camargue and its wild landscapes;

  • the Pont du Gard;

  • Avignon and the Palace of the Popes;

  • the Luberon and its hilltop villages.

Are the Alpilles suitable for cycling enthusiasts?

Yes, the Alpilles are a particularly popular destination for cyclists. The small secondary roads, varied landscapes and numerous villages along the way make it one of the most beautiful areas in Provence for road cycling and gravel biking.

Also worth discovering around Arles

If you are staying in the region for several days, you can complement your exploration of the Alpilles with:

Visit Arles, a city of art and history

Arles boasts an exceptional heritage, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its Roman Arena, its ancient theatre, the narrow streets of its historic centre and its legacy linked to Vincent Van Gogh make it an unmissable destination.

Explore the Camargue

Less than thirty minutes from the Alpilles, the Camargue offers completely different landscapes:

  • pink flamingos;

  • Camargue horses;

  • wild beaches;

  • marshes and ponds.

Discover the Provençal markets

The markets of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Arles or Maussane-les-Alpilles offer the opportunity to discover local flavors:

  • PDO Vallée des Baux olive oil;

  • tapenades;

  • goat cheeses;

  • seasonal fruits and vegetables;

  • wines from Les Baux-de-Provence.

Enjoy a stay between the Camargue and the Alpilles

Thanks to its ideal location, Arles offers the perfect blend of heritage, nature, and the Provençal way of life. Many travelers choose to stay in the heart of the historic center, making it easy to explore the entire region. The charming rooms and apartments at La Maison de Thaïs provide a particularly pleasant base for exploring the Alpilles, the Camargue, and the main tourist attractions of Provence.

To prepare for your stay

 
 
 

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