In the north-west of the Bouches-du-Rhône, between Arles and Avignon, the Alpilles are a small chain of limestone mountains where olive groves, vineyards, castles and typical villages follow one another. Discover it!
History and culture
In the heart of Provence, between the Luberon and the Camargue, the Alpilles are rich in history and culture. About twenty kilometres south of Avignon, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is the capital of the Alpilles. The birthplace of Nostradamus, the village is also famous for its old town centre, its Wednesday morning market, its ancient site of Glanum, but also for having welcomed Vincent Van Gogh after the episode of the severed ear. The artist painted some of his most famous pictures here. On the way to Salon-de-Provence, you will cross typical Provençal landscapes: the pretty little village of Eygalières and its chapel of Saint-Sixte, the castle of Roquemartine, the caves of Calès and its troglodyte dwellings.
Perched on a hill, the medieval village of Baux-de-Provence is also worth a visit. Its 11th century castle, an eagle's nest high up, offers a breathtaking view of the Alpilles. If you are on the way to Arles, stop at Fontvieille to visit Alphonse Daudet's mill, where he found the inspiration to write the famous "Letters from my mill". A few sunflower fields away, you will discover the Montmajour Abbey, a jewel classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sports and nature
Created in 2007, the Alpilles Regional Nature Park stretches over a length of thirty kilometres and a width of ten kilometres, i.e. only 510 km2, which makes it the third smallest Regional Nature Park in France in terms of surface area. Despite its small size, the Alpilles massif is an ideal destination for trying out all sorts of outdoor activities: hiking, cycling, mountain biking, horse riding, tree climbing, gliding...
Cyclists have a great time on the "small" passes, such as the Pas de la Figuière and the Col de la Vayède, as do hikers who flock to the crests of the Alpilles massif to admire the view. A hike to recommend? The Rocher des Deux Trous trail is a 3-hour hike that leads to the famous rock painted by Van Gogh during his stay in Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, from May 1889 to May 1890.
Gastronomy and local produce
Provençal cuisine is renowned throughout the world and the Alpilles is no exception. Aïoli, anchoïade, but especially olive oil, the green gold of the Alpilles, come to mind. All year round, local producers welcome you to their mills and estates to discover the techniques of olive oil extraction. On the vineyard side, come and meet the winegrowers of Baux-de-Provence and the Alpilles, in a friendly atmosphere where wine tasting and discovery of the heritage are combined.
Where to stay in camping ?
North of the Alpilles, our campsite **** Verbéla Village welcomes you to Noves, in the heart of the Val de Provence. In a quiet and green environment, discover our comfortable chalets, available in chic and warm atmospheres. Take advantage of the swimming pool, the heated balneo, the fitness area and the café-restaurant. All this lulled by the song of the cicadas!
