LES ALPILLES & Saint-Remy
« The Provencal art of living »
This extension of the Luberon mountain and the Alps, the Alpilles has been listed Regional Park since 2007, it spreads over 30 km between Arles and Cavaillon. The Alpilles offers breathtaking landscapes, predominately made up of bare limestone rock and scrub dotted with thyme, lavender then closer to the crests Aleppo pines and evergreen oak trees can be seen. While the lower slopes boast cultivated land, rich in olive groves and vines.
Queen Elizabeth, Hugh Grant, Bono, and Johnny Depp … personalities from all walks of life have been drawn to the extraordinary natural beauty of Provence.
Savor your tranquility in the undisturbed villages of Maussanes and Mouriès under the shedding plane-trees, strolling in the many art galleries of Saint Rémy de Provence and enjoy genuine Provencal products such as wine, fruits and olives… filled will the strength of the sun and the aromas of this unique region. Once again Provence reveals us one of its many faces for instance to be France first producer of olive oil and some of its most famous landscapes.
Some of those landscapes enchanted Van Gogh who painted over 140 of his most important works when staying at Saint-Paul de Mausole monastery.
Alpilles tours and Saint Remy de Provence tours : Your route
9:00 am – You will be welcome at the place you’ll stay by your English speaking driver-guide there the last details of your route will be set.
Heading for the very elegant Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, located on the Northern Alpilles there is the quintessence of Provence shed terraces, narrow paved streets with their traditional shops galleries, dotted with architecture splendors from the past such as the Roman remains of the archeological site of Glanum south of the village.
On the same very road he took , we will stop at Saint-Paul de Mausole Monastery, on Van Gogh’s step to try to understand what he looked for so far away from his homeland.
We will go from North to South the mountain heading for the fortified village of Baux-de-Provence , perched as an eyrie overlooking the Val d’Enfer, The « vale of Hell ». Baux-de-Provence with the ruins of its medieval castle and the many little houses so well restored is an open-air museum remains and witness of the historical and geological past of this enchanted place.
At the bottom of this stunning site, we will go for the village of Fontvieille and more particularly the Chateau d’Estoublon. The Castle was built in the 17th century and now, Estoublon, where wine and olive oil are produced is the perfect ambassador, the magical place to find the products from the valley. Tasting at the Chateau.
Your visit goes on, surrounded by olive groves cicadas singing, with the villages of Maussanes and Mouriès well known for their relaxed rhythm of life and to be the main places for olive oil production.
We will finish this journey in the Alpilles with the village of Eygalières, « the city of water » , Romans set their camps at the surroundings of this hill and collected water in order to supply Arles.
Back to your accommodation around 6:00 pm
Don’t miss…
Chateau d’Estoublon (Fontvieille)
The Domain produces wine and olive oil. Set in a prestigious rocky landscape the Castle offers a delicatessen boutique and wine bar-tea salon the perfect place for a gourmet stop.
Monastery Saint-Paul de Mausole (Saint-Remy)
This former monastery today a nursing home, houses a small museum telling Van Gogh ‘s committal after a serious depression, he stayed there over a year there he recovered his serenity and his inspiration near this 12th century church and this elegant Romanesque cloister.
The Alchemist’s Garden (Eygalieres)
The Alchemist garden is a contemporary botanical garden with architecture, symbols shapes and colors inspired by the alchemists’ way in their quest for the philosopher’s stone. This timeless and unique place is at its best in springtime when nature comes into blossom.
L’Atelier de Joel Durand (Saint-Remy)
Joël Durand, chocolate maker of SaintRémy de Provence has managed to bring to the best his passion for chocolate and for the aromas and flavors surrounding him. Discover and enjoy a selection of some of his delicious creations.
Baux de Provence and its surroundings.
Bon appetit ! Our favorite restaurants in Saint Remy de Provence and Alpilles
Oustau de Baumanière (Les Baux)
The reference around Baux de Provence. Here flavors, full of surprise,
sing and burst in mouth. A table of exception in an elegant artists house located in the heart of one of the most beautiful village of France.
Le bistrot des Alpilles (Saint Remy)
Famous place of Saint Rémy. Since 1984 this bistro restaurant has been the place for the atmosphere as we like it, everything is both simple and genuine not to mention so good, the perfect setting for a gastronomic meal. A must.
La Place (Maussane-les-Alpilles)
La « place » where to enjoy an atmosphere both intimate and trendy. Indulge yourself in a treat, for a delicious traditional cuisine offering Provencal accents with modern touch, near the fireplace or on the shaded terrace.
Download PDF file
