A charming escape in the Alpilles

Start the day with a stroll around the local producer’s stalls at Eygalières market. The scents of the South are everywhere here, tempting you into the village’s narrow old lanes. Climb up to the castle to lap up the 360° view over distant olive groves. Next, head to the charming and typically-Provencal village of Orgon, where you can visit the Musée Urgonia, a Valeurs Parc Naturel Régional museum, before taking Chemin de la Pierre  for a full immersion in the heart of the Alpilles. This footpath retraces the area’s fascinating geological history and biodiversity. Discover the fossils unearthed by passionate geologists as you make your way around the 10 stop-offs. To wind up this delightful immersive experience in style, head to La Bastide d’Eygalières, an ideal base for your holiday in the Alpilles.

Ready to lap up even more of the stunning Alpilles? Starting out from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, this hike boasts magnificent and varied views over the Alpilles and plains of Avignon and La Crau. The loop begins at Cloître Saint-Paul de Mausole at the end of an alley lined with plane trees, and continues in a typically-soothing Provencal decor of orchards, olive trees and evergreen oaks. Alternating gentle slopes and rocky cliff faces, this 17-kilometre hike has countless surprises up its sleeve.

In the Vallée des Baux-de-Provence, mankind’s labour of love leads you into the heart of Provence’s olive groves and terraced vines. Gaze at the virgin landscapes panning out from the summit of Baumayrane. From the Carrières de Lumières car park, follow the signposted trail plunging into wild scenery. This delightful, 4-hour hike guides you to the peaceful Piste des Lombards: a 3-kilometre path promising panoramic vistas all the way to Mont Ventoux…

A charming Provencal village, Eygalières is the departure point for Les Calans and its impressive relief, typical of the northern face of the mountain range. Reach for the heights to admire the beauty of the Alpilles panning out in front of you… This beautiful walk offers incredible vistas over the area’s typical scenery. Keep your ears open too and revel in the sound of chirping cicadas as you bask in the views over Les Civadières after the Badon arboretum. This 14-kilometre country hike (a round trip) is dotted with truly awe-inspiring spectacles!

Bathing in a natural decor, the Musée des Alpilles in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence promises a genuine voyage back in time. Set in a magnificent Renaissance building, the museum itinerary unveils a wealth of local heritage and historical secrets. Top up your newly-acquired knowledge with a visit to the Fromagerie Roumanille, a Valeurs Parc Naturel Régional cheese farm where Mélanie welcomes you for a delightful tour including goat milking and cheese tasting. Before you leave, remember to stock up your hamper with their delicious goat cheese, organic Gascony charcuterie and farm yoghurt. Bon appétit!