The Alpilles are a small chain of hills and mountains in the Provence region of France, with their highest peak standing at just 400 metres. Within a short drive of the popular town of Avignon, the Alpilles are an ideal destination for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits, rather than historical monuments! However, the Alpilles are well known for their own particular brand of history in the shape of the many medieval villages that dot the hillsides and valleys in this area. Artists have always been attracted to the natural beauty in this part of France, including Vincent van Gogh who made the Alpilles village of St Remy-de-Provence his home.
Anyone visiting the pretty village of St Remy-de-Provence will soon understand why the world-renowned artist Vincent van Gogh chose to paint over 100 pictures of the countryside in this part of France. The painter was actually treated at an asylum in the town, but chose to return in order to capture the beauty of the Provencal scenery. Many of the historic houses in the town have been converted to art galleries and museums, taking advantage of the many art lovers who make their own kind of pilgrimage to the town each year. The medieval town, with its chapels, churches and winding streets, is interest enough to most history buffs, but the settlement was actually built on a much older, Roman village called Glanum. The ruins and remains of several buildings can still be seen in the area, such as the temple and a monumental archway. It is possible to stumble across abandoned archaeological digs in the hills surrounding St Remy, and amateur historians can have a go themselves at finding some ancient treasures.
There are are several other villages in the Alpilles hills that are worth stopping in during your visit to the region. Les Baux de Provence enjoys a spectacular location on a rocky outcrop with a commanding view over the whole area. Now more of a tourist attraction than a working village, it is still worth visiting, if only for the spectacular view. Mouries calls itself the “olive oil capital of France” and still has two working olive oil mills that become the centre of attention during the town's annual festival, while the larger town of Arles is home to some outstanding examples of Romanesque architecture. Montmajour Abbey, buil between the 10th and 13th centuries is well worth a day trip, to explore the huge crypt, the unusual graveyard carved into the rock face as well as the usual religious architecture and works of art.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Alpilles? Then below is a selection of gites in Alpilles and villas in Alpilles that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
