Discovering the best hikes in the Alpilles
It’s decided, for your next holiday, you’ve chosen the Alpilles. You can’t wait to discover its breathtaking landscapes, between mountains and garrigue. You’re already salivating at the idea of tasting the gastronomy of the Bouches-du-Rhône. But above all, you’re eagerly imagining the hiking trails of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence or Cavaillon. If, for you, holidays rhyme with walking trails, you’re going to love this magnificent Natural Park in the south of France. And because we’re nice, at Camping Pegomas, we’ve selected the best hikes in the Alpilles for you.
Easy Hiking Trails in the Alpilles
One thing is for sure, there are many hiking trails in the Alpilles. And despite the steep terrain, there are easy, even very easy, circuits. For us, it was difficult to choose only four. But by focusing on eclecticism, we are almost certain that you will find what you are looking for.
Les Baux de Provence
We’re cheating a little with this part, because there are many walks to do in Les Baux de Provence. But we wanted to tell you more specifically about a hike that combines geology and heritage. Quite normal when you are in the heart of an extraordinary limestone formation.
The circuit in question starts at the Queen Jeanne Pavilion, a temple dedicated to Jeanne de Quiqueran, Baroness of Les Baux de Provence. 10 kilometers long, it will take you to Fontvieille, before returning to Les Baux. On your way, you will cross old bauxite quarries, “bories” (dry-stone huts), and impressive cliffs. All this forming a loop with an elevation gain of 240 meters. And if you are looking for a very easy hike in Les Baux de Provence, we recommend the Chemin des Trémaïé, which starts at the parking lot on the edge of the D27A.
Les Tours de Castillon (Castillon’s Towers)
Another circuit to be classified among the easy hikes in the Bouches-du-Rhône. Ideal for a Sunday family stroll, the “Tours de Castillon” (Castillon Towers) trail in Paradou is a real treat for heritage lovers. You will discover the remains of the Castillon fortress, while enjoying a breathtaking view of the Alpilles massif. A small 5-kilometer loop, with an elevation gain of barely 100 meters, which will delight young and old alike.
The Daudet Mills Trail
It’s not every day you get to walk on the ground of a mythical place in literature! With the Fontvieille mills trail, you will have the opportunity to discover the landscape that inspired Alphonse Daudet’s “Lettres de mon moulin.” That said, along this 2.3-kilometer loop, you can also spot a Roman underground conduit, as well as the irrigation canal of the Baux valley. A route tinged with history and poetry, therefore.
💡 Are you keen on cultural activities during your holidays? Remember to regularly check the Alpilles regional park website to be informed of all local events.
Sénas: La Cabre et la Pécoule
Among the best activities to do in Sénas, we recommend the hike that marks the perimeter of La Pécoule. First, you will be impressed by this hill planted in the middle of the Durance plain. Then, you will have a magnificent glimpse of the fauna and flora of the Alpilles massif. Along this 5-kilometer loop, bee-eaters and European rollers rub shoulders with hoopoe, in a soothing green setting. The perfect trail for a moment of communion with nature.
📌 And since hiking is not the only leisure activity possible in the Alpilles, we invite you to discover the activities to practice around our Camping Pegomas.
The Best Hikes in the Alpilles with Medium Difficulty Circuits
We don’t hide it, at Camping Pegomas, we have a preference for medium and difficult hikes. At the same time, it would be a shame to spend a holiday in the Alpilles and not tackle the slopes of the relief. So here is our selection of hikes for lovers of more athletic elevation gains.
Les crêtes de Baumayrane aux Baux de Provence (The Baumayrane Ridges in Les Baux de Provence)
Undoubtedly the most eclectic of hiking trails in Provence. On its 12-kilometer route, with an elevation gain of almost 300 meters, you will appreciate human cultures, such as olive trees or vineyards. Then you will switch to the wild side of nature on the Baumayrane ridges. Finally, the winding paths of the Chemin des Lombards may give you some trouble, but to your great pleasure, thanks to its viewpoint on Mont Ventoux.
La boucle de Valdition à Orgon (The Valdition Loop in Orgon)
Orgon is a wine-growing town, located 20 minutes from Camping Pegomas. Thus, to take the 14 kilometers of this hiking trail, you will not need to travel a long distance beforehand. On your way, you will cross vineyards and the Valdition estate, a former property of François 1er. Not to mention cattle farms typical of the Alpilles, olive groves, and some almond trees. Another good way to discover the fauna and flora of the Alpilles massif.
Le parcours historique de Mouriès (The Historic Trail of Mouriès)
This hike is not ordinary, because it follows the old railway line that connected Salon to Arles. It therefore crosses the typical fields and crops of the region: vines, olive trees, and fruit trees. But that’s not all! During the 19 kilometers of this circuit, which is as athletic as it is touristy, you will cross several oratories and the canal of the Baux valley. And if you look up, you might be lucky enough to spot a Eurasian eagle-owl.
Hiking Trails for Experienced Walkers in the Alpilles
It would be a shame to test the hiking trails in the Alpilles Regional Natural Park without tackling the more demanding ones. So here is a list, non-exhaustive of course, of the most athletic routes.
Saint-Rémy de Provence: The Best Hikes in the Bouches-du-Rhône
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is the hiking town par excellence. And while it offers easy trails, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is the hiking town par excellence. And while it offers easy and medium circuits, we are keen to present you with a difficult one, which will take you on a good 6-hour walk. From the Antiques car park (the Mausoleum of the Julii and the Triumphal Arch), you will set off for 16 kilometers, amidst a land steeped in history. Between the archaeological site of Glanum and La Via Domitia (the oldest road in France), we can say that you will be well served. We do not forget the 450 meters of elevation gain that will lead you to the summit of an Alpilles ridge.
📌 As we said above, there are many hiking trails around here. By choosing our Camping Pegomas, located in the heart of the Alpilles Massif, you are sure to find one nearby.
La Routo à Eygalières (The Routo in Eygalières)
It’s not the elevation gain (barely 300 meters) that makes this trail difficult, but the fact that you only go up and down all along the 10 kilometers that make it up. That said, it’s worth it. Between the various breathtaking views, geological formations like Le Gros Calan or the majestic fauna (perhaps you will see a vulture?), this hike should not leave you indifferent.
La Tour des Opies (The Opies Tower)
An unmissable hike for walking enthusiasts in the Bouches-du-Rhône region. The Tour des Opies trail takes you to the highest point of the Alpilles mountain range. And what a reward it is to reach the top! You will discover a panoramic view of the plains of the Durance, Camargue and Rhône rivers. You can even see the Étang de Berre lagoon. But you will have to earn it by climbing the 13.5 kilometres of the circuit, with an elevation gain of around 400 metres.
We have now reached the end of our Top 10 best hikes in the Alpilles. We hope that this one will convince you to come and spend your holidays with us. There is only one step left to take: book your hiking holiday at our Pegomas campsite!
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