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France
ALPILLES REGION: TWENTY-FIVE VILLAGES AND PROVENÇAL HERITAGE
Stone villages perched on ridges, olive groves spreading across golden hills, Provençal light bathing the farmhouses. The Alpilles, a setting of gentle beauty.
≈ 26
Days
302
Km
25
Stops
Explore the Alpilles at the pace of light-drenched villages. Pass through Aix-en-Provence and its urban elegance, discover Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and its artistic heritage, climb to Les Baux-de-Provence commanding the ridges, then continue to Arles and Tarascon where Roman history still anchors the landscape.
- Aix-en-Provence: cultural urban heart
- Saint-Rémy: artistic heritage village
- Les Baux: dramatic ridge fortress
- Arles: roman amphitheater legacy
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Carry-le-Rouet — Côte Bleue resort: harbor, coastal road and coves with crystal-clear water.
2
Coastal road promontory — views of the calanques and Cap Couronne.
Activities
→
Coastal walk along the corniche (easy round trip).
→
Swimming/snorkeling (depending on season) in a sheltered cove.
Next stop
Distance:
34 km
Travel time:
40min
2
Day
5 photos
Discover
1
Aix-en-Provence — Cours Mirabeau and small squares with fountains, private mansions.
2
Mazarin district and Saint-Sauveur cathedral (exterior).
Activities
→
Cézanne's studio (exterior/depending on opening hours) and walk towards the Torse.
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Fountain trail (urban loop).
Next stop
Distance:
8 km
Travel time:
15min
3
Day
8 photos
Discover
1
Venelles — belvedere village north of Aix, views of Sainte-Victoire.
2
Old center — shaded streets and small squares.
Activities
→
Wooded loop on the Venelles hills (marked trails).
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Panoramic route at sunset towards the belvedere.
Next stop
Distance:
16 km
Travel time:
20min
4
Day
8 photos
Discover
1
Éguilles — perched village at the gates of Aix, blonde houses and ramparts (ext.).
2
High esplanades — views over the Berre lagoon and the Trévaresse chain.
Activities
→
Heritage walk in the old center (cobbled streets, passages).
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Scrubland paths on the edge of olive groves.
Next stop
Distance:
22 km
Travel time:
25min
5
Day
5 photos
Discover
1
Lambesc — historic town of the Aix region: private mansions and religious heritage (ext.).
2
Courtyards and fountains, memory of the États de Provence.
Activities
→
Vine-olive loop on the Trévaresse hillsides.
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Provençal market (depending on day) on the central avenue.
Next stop
Distance:
29 km
Travel time:
30min
6
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Eyguières — eastern gateway to the Alpilles, at the foot of the limestone reliefs.
2
Historic center — fountains, passages and stone houses.
Activities
→
Ridge trails (depending on level) towards the towers and oppida.
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Discovery of orchards and olive groves in the plain.
Next stop
Distance:
15 km
Travel time:
20min
7
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Eygalières — authentic perched village in the heart of the Alpilles Park.
2
Old church and keep (ext.) on the spur with views over olive groves.
Activities
→
Loop of viewpoints around the old village.
→
Walk in the wine and olive-growing plain.
Next stop
Distance:
9 km
Travel time:
15min
8
Day
5 photos
Discover
1
Mollégès — plain town between Alpilles and Durance, bright facades and shaded squares.
2
Village heritage: church and old alleyways.
Activities
→
Agricultural paths between hedges and orchards towards Saint-Andiol.
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Gentle bike loop (flat terrain).
Next stop
Distance:
5 km
Travel time:
10min
9
Day
8 photos
Discover
1
Saint-Andiol — village of the Rhône corridor, straight streets and religious heritage.
2
Small squares and irrigation canal on the edge of farms.
Activities
→
Countryside route towards the orchard-olive grove terroir.
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Heritage trail (oratories, washhouses).
Next stop
Distance:
11 km
Travel time:
15min
10
Day
5 photos
Discover
1
Châteaurenard — castle hill and lively town, between Avignon and Alpilles.
2
Top of the village — views over the Durance and market garden plains.
Activities
→
Urban loop (Provençal market depending on day) and chapel circuit.
→
Walk on the Durance dikes (section).
Next stop
Distance:
6 km
Travel time:
12min
11
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Eyragues — village of Provençal tradition, tree-lined squares and alleyways.
2
Old center — rendered facades and fountains.
Activities
→
Gentle cycling loop to Maillane (quiet roads).
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Photo route of doorways and small squares.
Next stop
Distance:
4 km
Travel time:
8min
12
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Maillane — birthplace of Frédéric Mistral, heart of literary Provence.
2
Village route: quiet streets and small squares.
Activities
→
Path toward the agricultural landscapes of the Costières.
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Heritage circuit (old houses, oratories).
Next stop
Distance:
6 km
Travel time:
10min
13
Day
5 photos
Discover
1
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence — capital of the Alpilles: elegant alleyways, private mansions and art shops.
2
Ancient site of Glanum (ext.) and Saint-Paul cloister (ext.).
Activities
→
Promenade along the boulevards and ramparts, viewpoints towards the Alpilles.
→
Tour of art workshops and galleries (selection).
Next stop
Distance:
9 km
Travel time:
15min
14
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Les Baux-de-Provence — classified rocky spur, cobbled streets and seigneurial remains (ext.).
2
Val d'Enfer — ruiniform landscapes (viewpoints).
Activities
→
Ascent to the viewpoints over the Arles plain.
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Path around the old quarries (exterior).
Next stop
Distance:
3 km
Travel time:
8min
15
Day
9 photos
Discover
1
Le Paradou — medieval village between Baux and Maussane, narrow streets and fountains.
2
Heritage trail: wash houses, oratories and stone houses.
Activities
→
Shaded walk along the irrigation canals.
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Walking loop towards Maussane (one way possible).
Next stop
Distance:
2 km
Travel time:
5min
16
Day
5 photos
Discover
1
Maussane-les-Alpilles — olive-growing village at the foot of the ridges, heart of the valley.
2
Central square and fountain, southern facades.
Activities
→
Olive groves-vineyards walk on agricultural tracks.
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Discovery of oil mills (ext./depending on opening hours).
Next stop
Distance:
8 km
Travel time:
12min
17
Day
5 photos
Discover
1
Mouriès — France's leading olive-growing commune: Provençal town at the foot of the hills.
2
Center — small squares and rows of olive trees.
Activities
→
Eastern Alpilles ridge trails (section).
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Mills and oratories route (village).
Next stop
Distance:
17 km
Travel time:
20min
18
Day
8 photos
Discover
1
Saint-Martin-de-Crau — town of the stony plain, unique steppe ecosystems.
2
Museum route/Crau house (ext.) and service canals.
Activities
→
Naturalist observation on trails (according to regulations).
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Bike loop in irrigated plain.
Next stop
Distance:
13 km
Travel time:
18min
19
Day
5 photos
Discover
1
Arles — city of Art and History, Roman/Romanesque ensemble classified UNESCO (ext.).
2
Luminous old center: squares, private mansions and quays of the Rhône.
Activities
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Classical Roman walking routes (amphitheater, theater, Alyscamps ext.).
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Stroll on the quays at sunset.
Next stop
Distance:
17 km
Travel time:
22min
20
Day
9 photos
Discover
1
Fontvieille — village of quarries and mills, living traditions.
2
Stone quarries (ext.) and buildings in blonde limestone.
Activities
→
Mills loop (stony paths).
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Discovery of capitelles and oratories (according to circuit).
Next stop
Distance:
8 km
Travel time:
12min
21
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Saint-Étienne-du-Grès — gateway to the Alpilles between Crau and piedmont, peaceful village.
2
Side streets and small squares away from traffic flows.
Activities
→
Agricultural paths toward the foothills (view of ridges).
→
Heritage trail (washhouses, oratories).
Next stop
Distance:
10 km
Travel time:
15min
22
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Tarascon — Rhône town, fortress castle on the river (ext.).
2
Old center: narrow streets, squares and private mansions.
Activities
→
Walk along the banks of the Rhône and views of Beaucaire.
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Route of the ramparts and medieval gates (exterior).
Next stop
Distance:
6 km
Travel time:
10min
23
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Saint-Pierre-de-Mézoargues — small Rhône commune with preserved tranquility.
2
Rural framework: farms, orchards and irrigation canals.
Activities
→
Countryside walking loop between hedges and orchards.
→
Observation on dike (view of the river corridor).
Next stop
Distance:
10 km
Travel time:
15min
24
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Boulbon — village with narrow streets below the castle (ext.).
2
Small squares and vaulted passages at the foot of the hill.
Activities
→
Ascent to the castle promontory (view of Rhône and Alpilles).
→
Chapel loop around the town.
Next stop
Distance:
7 km
Travel time:
12min
25
Day
9 photos
Discover
1
Barbentane — between Avignon and Arles, village above the Rhône, wealthy heritage.
2
Old center and belvederes over plain and Durance.
Activities
→
Walk along the edge of the Montagnettes (pine forests).
→
Tour of private mansions and carved doors (ext.).
Next stop
Distance:
27 km
Travel time:
30min
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❓ Frequently asked questions
What weather should you expect?
Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.
Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.
Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.
Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 21 and 31 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
What to discover in France?
Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.