| The Alpilles (not to be confused with the Alps!) form a small, rocky limestone massif that stretches about 40 kilometers towards the west from the Durance at its eastern end, and about ten kilometers from north to south. Designated as a regional park in 2007, the area can be explored either with a car, or riding bikes or through scenic and accessible hikes. The region mini-capital is St-Rémy de Provence, a chic town with a long history. |
| Les Baux de Provence is located in the magnificent Alpilles region, so let’s take a tour of the horizons of these beautiful, typically Provencal places : |
| These two monuments, commonly known as “Les Antiques“, marked the entry to the town of Glanum.
The Mausoleum, or Cenotaph of the Julii This funerary monument dates from 30-20 BCE. Particularly well preserved, it is famous for its unusual structure, unique in Roman architecture: a triumphal arch rises from a rectangular pedestal with four magnificently carved faces, with a small round temple at the top housing the effigies of two members of the Gallo-Roman family of the Julii. This outstanding monument is dedicated to them. The Triumphal Arch Dating from about 20 BCE, it has lost the pediment which once crowned the arch. It is decorated with beautiful reliefs illustrating Caesar’s conquest of the Gauls, with fruit and foliage, symbolizing plenty, carved under the arch. |
| The site of Glanum was inhabited by the native population from about 500 BCE. Around the 2nd century BCE, the town came under Greek influence as a result of contact with Greek merchants from Marseille. Later it was colonized by Rome, from the 1st century BCE to the 3rd century CE. |
| Set upon a rocky outcrop, the Castle of Les Baux dominates the medieval village of Les Baux de Provence and offers incredible panoramic views over the Alpilles. The ruins and vestiges of this 11th century fortress remain and visitors can wander through them along a lively circuit punctuated by explanatory panels and orientation tables. |
| Set in closed limestone quarries, the site provides an almost religious experience as visitors walk between its cold and dark walls, only to be surrounded by pictures and music. The show is an immersive experience since giant pictures are projected on walls, ceiling and floor, while music echoes all around. |
| This day tour is a perfect combination of Provençal lifestyle: local culture and architecture, Van Gogh’s paintings, magnificent landscapes, beautiful villages and regional wines…Join this small group tour and feel the good vibes of the South. Discover the best of Provence with your local and expert guide: each village has its own personality and local specialty.
On the way to Arles, discover the Roman monuments and sites painted by Van Gogh. Enjoy a walking tour in the city, to find out its Roman heritage with its famous arenas, its antique theater… and the various sites painted by Vincent Van Gogh during his stay in Arles (“The Night Café”, ” The Garden of the Health Home “…).
You guide will drive you to a photo stop at Les Baux de Provence, charming village in the heart of the Alpilles, built on a rocky spur 245 m high. Attend the incredible sound and light show dedicated to the painter Salvador Dali at Carrières de Lumières.
In Saint-Rémy de Provence, you have the possibility to visit the reconstituted chamber of Van Gogh (ticket not included) or the Roman monuments at the foot of the Alpilles.
On the way through the different vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. You will experience wine tastings in 2 different wine estates of the “country of 13 grape varieties”. Admire this exceptional “terroir” from the ruins of the Château, the former summer residence of the popes. You will learn the history and the “know-how” of the winemakers. In the cellar, you will find a selection of domains and castles of the Rhone Valley …
Don’t miss this typical provencal experience, it is all authentic! |
| In the different villages, there is a typical Provencal market every day:
Saturdays and Wednesdays in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Mondays and Fridays in the magnificent village of Fontvieille, Tuesdays in the heart of Tarascon and Thursdays in Maussane-les-Alpilles.
For even more fun experiences, Trip My France offers Cooking classes with a Provençal market tour in the Alpilles and a typical regional lunch. As for the Baux de Provence region, it offers tasting assemblies of Olives and Wines. |
| In this magical place, the sun shines more than 300 days a year. Its light and beauty seduced Vincent van Gogh and so many other artists. A cultural and historical mecca, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is the epitome of Provencal art de vivre, attracting celebrities and anonymous visitors alike. Like many artists, stroll along the shady boulevards, narrow streets of the historic center and small squares adorned with fountains. Discover the beautiful boutiques and art galleries, refresh yourself and enjoy sun-drenched cuisine featuring local food. |
| At the foot of the Alpilles mountains, next to the Roman ruins of GLANUM, a monastery with a lovely Romanesque cloister has existed since around year 1000, where monks of various congregations have succeeded one another.
Each of them was dedicated, among other things, to caring for those who had had the misfortune to fall into dementia. The painter Vincent VAN GOGH was taken care of from May 8, 1889 to May 16, 1890. Thanks to the humane and innovative care provided by Doctor PEYRON and the nuns of the time, this artist was able to continue and strengthen his considerable body of work during his stay at Saint-Paul de Mausole. His house became a psychiatric center. Yet they kept Van Gogh’s bedroom and living quarters intact. The magnificent garden that inspired Van Gogh was also preserved as tribute to this charismatic artist as well as his incredible works of art. |
| If you are into hikes, there are many itineraries: either around lake Peïroou, on the Rocher des 2 trous (the Rock with 2 holes), le plateau de la Caume or even the Massif des Alpilles. |
|
Last but not least, all the little Provençal villages are full of restaurants and bars with a guinguette atmosphere. |
