The 10 most beautiful hikes to do in the Alpilles
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Hiking in the Alpilles allows you to discover this pretty limestone massif from every angle: it is indeed on foot that you can best savor the Provençal charms of the Alpilles.
In this small massif mainly composed of white limestone, where thyme, Aleppo pines and olive trees flourish, the decor is resolutely Provençal. A real pleasure for the walker, both for the decor and for the scents. The Alpilles form an East-West horizontal band 25km long and 6km to 8km wide, made up of low altitude mountains, culminating at the summit of Les Opies, at 498 meters.
Due to their orientation, the Alpilles are particularly exposed to the Mistral coming from the North. Be warned, especially in winter! From spring and in the late season, the southern climate, mild and pleasant, is ideal for hiking in the Alpilles. In the middle of summer, under the sun, beware of heat strokes, refill the water supply and protect yourself well.
Good news, the Alpilles are completely criss-crossed by many hiking trails, offering the possibility of traversing the whole of the massif and of composing multiple itineraries for walks, from a short outing of one or two hours to a long day hike. . To help you choose, we have only kept the most beautiful hikes in the Alpilles. Let’s go !
1. The Rock of Two Holes from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Just next to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, this hike in the Alpilles begins at the Roman period archaeological site of Glanum. Allow some time for this interesting tour, either on departure or on arrival.
Then, go to the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole monastery for this outing which, without being really difficult, still requires a little physical effort (especially in hot weather). The objective is to reach the Rocher des Deux Trous, a limestone wall pierced in two places, painted in its time by Van Gogh in person. We understand the inspiration of the painter. Take advantage of the 360° panorama of the Alpilles, before completing the loop to the starting point.
2. The village of Les Baux-de-Provence and its orientation table
Les Baux-de-Provence is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages in Provence, and even in France. From the orientation table from where you can appreciate a superb view of the massif and the surroundings (effect guaranteed at the very end of the day), this hike in the Alpilles takes you gradually, sometimes crossing the road, to the ramparts of the medieval village.
Follow the route for a complete tour of Les Baux (break recommended, take your time!), before leaving the village to return to your starting point, making a loop. Nice route, this route does have some more technical passages, go with good shoes and poles. To avoid the crowds in the village, choose your walking hours (or your season) carefully.
3. The ascent of the Opies, the summit of the Alpilles
At 498 meters above sea level, Les Opies, the highest point in the Alpilles, is nothing short of a giant. However, it is already enough to enjoy a splendid and panoramic view that carries far: the Ventoux, the Alps, the Rhône valley, the Mediterranean on the horizon… a spectacle that is worth the detour!
This beautiful hike in the Alpilles begins in the village of Eyguières, with its typically Provençal atmosphere. From the Arènes, the path climbs gradually then steeper to the Tour des Opies which crowns the summit. The descent is made by the other side, to reach the village, where to take a pleasant and well-deserved break.
4. Walk around Fontvieille
Fontvieille is a village full of character, the ideal place to start and end a hike in the Alpilles. Here, we leave from the heart of Fontvieille to explore the first foothills of the massif, and the cultural heritage of the area at the same time. We stop at the Moulin d’Alphonse Daudet, before continuing to the Roman aqueduct of Barbegal. The return is roughly the same way.
This family itinerary, at “walking” level, is ideal for stretching your legs and enjoying a pleasant walk, without noticing.
5. Hike on the ridge of the Alpilles
The difficulty increases more simply on the other hand with this hike in the Alpilles by the ridge, much more raised. It will be necessary to be able to hold at a distance and the significant difference in altitude. Leave well equipped, and early in the morning!
The start, in Saint-Rémy, is from the Glanum site. The climb begins to reach Mont Gaussier, then the emblematic Rocher des Deux Trous, before reaching the Plateau de la Caume and climbing along the crest line of the massif. The parade of magnificent viewpoints is impressive all along the route! The return path passes below the Alpilles to form a loop.
6. Nice loop in the Alpilles from Maussane
From the peaceful village of Maussane-les-Alpilles, this beautiful walk offers a nice summary of what makes the reputation and the beauty of the massif. From the olive groves, to the fragrant scrubland, passing through Provençal farmhouses and the rocky outcrop of Les Baux-de-Provence, this hike offers breathtaking Provençal landscapes.
Indeed, this hike in the Alpilles, of easy level and accumulating only little difference in altitude, will satisfy walkers looking for a beautiful walk rather than a big physical effort.
7. The heart of the Alpilles massif from Eygalières
Return to Eygalières, for another loop trail starting from the village: a hike in the Alpilles that plunges you into the heart of the massif, without forcing too much on the distance and the elevation. We enjoy a nice half-day walk, through the scrubland and the pines, accessible to all levels.
On the way, we cross the Arboretum of Badon, the Pas de la Figuière at 247 meters above sea level, the Gaudre de Vallonguette (a gaudre being a small river in Provençal) as well as the old fort of Ancise, before returning in Eygalières, where to stop at the bistro to refresh yourself and recover your health.
Variant of the path starting at the Arènes d’Eyguières, this route goes completely around Mont Menu (306 meters) which dominates the village, but without climbing it. A hike in the Alpilles that runs at the foot of the Opies, the summit of the massif, and gives a good overview of the beauty of the area.
Neither very long nor very difficult, this route is widely acclaimed for its pleasant walk, easy level, achievable even with young walkers.
9. Refreshing hike to Lac de Peiroou
Next to Saint-Rémy, the ancient Roman city of Glanum is the starting point for several beautiful hikes in the Alpilles. The path starts from the road and goes up to the Grotte de Baldoin, before joining the shores of Lac de Peiroou. In Provençal, peiroou designates a natural cavity, dug by erosion in the rock, as is the case here.
The path goes around this pretty artificial lake with shaded and pleasant banks where it is allowed to fish but not to bathe, unfortunately, the temptation is however strong when it is hot! The end of the route forms a loop and descends to the road, at the level of the archaeological site of Glanum.
10. The Trincades tour in the Alpilles Regional Natural Park
A hike in the Alpilles to explore a superb corner of the massif, east of Maussane and Les Baux. The walk is quite hilly, but the gradient, progressive, does not represent a big difficulty. Hikers have fun because the trail offers varied terrain, and many beautiful views of the mountains and the surrounding area.
A recommended outing to fill a good half-day, exercise and enjoy the landscapes without providing too much physical effort.
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