Different Ways to Discover Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Its Surroundings
From Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, you know the name and its location. As you might be tempted by a vacation in the south of France, the small capital of the Alpilles is on your list of destinations. But before you decide, one question arises: what to do in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence? The first answer: whether you enjoy cultural or sports-oriented stays, you are sure to find things to do during your vacation in the Alpilles. Dive into this article, which will serve as your guide to discovering Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. City heritage, cultural sites, and sports spots – we have thought of everything! Then, to broaden your possibilities, we will suggest the best activities near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
Discovering Saint-Rémy-de-Provence During Your Vacation
We are delighted to present more than 10 things to do in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Why? Simply because our Camping Pegomas is located just a few meters from the historic center.
The Historical Heritage of the Small Capital of the Alpilles
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence covers barely 100 km², yet the number of monuments to visit is substantial. At the top of our list is the Plateau des Antiques, a site classified as a Historical Monument. It consists of a triumphal arch and a mausoleum, remnants of the entrance to the Roman city of Glanum.
Speaking of Glanum, it was an ancient Gallic city later influenced by Greek and Roman cultures. More than a century after its discovery, the archaeological site of Glanum is open to the public for a small fee. An extraordinary dive into history with a capital H.
After the ancient ruins, you cannot visit Saint-Rémy-de-Provence without stopping by the former Saint Paul de Mausole priory. The old monastery deserves your attention for its historical and cultural value. Indeed, it was within these walls that Vincent Van Gogh stayed during the last years of his life. A good reason to make Saint Paul de Mausole a cultural center dedicated to the famous painter.
But Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is also a city with remarkable architecture. Among the buildings worth visiting or seeing are:
- Château de Lagoy, a historic wine estate;
- Tour du Cardinal and its well, a Renaissance masterpiece;
- The private mansion of the de Sade family (yes, the famous Marquis).
In addition to these historical monuments, there are religious buildings reflecting different influences:
- Saint-Martin Church, in classical style, housing a majestic organ;
- Sainte-Marie-de-Pierredon Chapel, in Romanesque style;
- Notre-Dame de Pitié Chapel, now converted into a contemporary art center.
Finally, you can complete your exploration of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence with the ancient quarries. As a reminder, our camping site is very close to the historic center, allowing you to visit the city on foot or by bike.
Cultural Activities in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Besides the archaeological site of Glanum, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence has two museums worth visiting:
- Musée des Alpilles, located in the Mistral de Mondragon hotel, classified as a Historical Monument. It displays varied collections, showcasing everyday objects related to Alpilles culture, as well as works from the museum’s collection or local artists.
- Musée Estrine, hosting numerous activities. For guided tours, you can choose between a museum discovery tour, the permanent collection exhibition, or the temporary exhibition of the moment.
Discovering Saint-Rémy-de-Provence Through Sports
Because you can always combine pleasure with usefulness, you can enjoy the city’s various sports activities. Among the most representative of the region are:
- Several boulodromes;
- Chomel-Coinon arenas;
- Climbing spots such as Mont Gaussier or Lac des Peiroou.
📌 To not miss anything in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence’s activity calendar during your stay, check the town’s official website!
Outdoor Activities Around Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence has a rich heritage, but it would be a shame to limit yourself to just the city during your vacation in Bouches-du-Rhône. We recommend exploring the Alpilles and enjoying all activities near Camping Pegomas.
Visits Near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
To discover our charming corner of Provence, start with the most beautiful villages of the Alpilles. Besides Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, here are some villages to visit:
- Fontvieille, where Alphonse Daudet found inspiration for Letters from My Windmill;
- Mouriès, known for olive oil production and traditional festivals;
- Les Baux-de-Provence, where the Carrières de Lumières offers a unique spectacle.
📌 For a cultural holiday in the Alpilles, check the events calendar on the Alpilles en Provence website.
Outdoor Activities in the Alpilles
First, remember that the Parc naturel des Alpilles is a protected area. It is essential to respect its flora and fauna and stick to official paths. That said, here is a range of activities to try in the Alpilles.
Hiking
With 500 km of marked trails, hiking in the Alpilles Natural Park is a tradition. The massif offers trails for both casual walkers and experienced hikers. To explore Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and its surroundings through hiking, check the article on La Vallée Heureuse website, another campsite in the Alpilles.
Cycling
Did you know that the regional park is crossed east to west by EuroVelo 8 – Mediterranean, connecting Spain to Italy? A perfect opportunity to discover the region via a legendary route. Many other cycling trails are available, whether by electric bike or mountain bike. There’s something for every taste.
Climbing
The Alpilles massif is a climber’s paradise. With limestone cliffs and varied sunny walls, there are over 1,300 routes for all levels around Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Top climbing spots include Aureille, Eyguières, Mouriès, and Orgon, home to Camping La Vallée Heureuse.
Alpilles from the Air
For a unique perspective of the Alpilles, you can try:
- Paragliding;
- Gliding;
- Ultralight aviation (ULM).
Unusual Activities in the Alpilles
You will not get bored in this preserved area of Bouches-du-Rhône. For offbeat activities, we suggest:
- Geocaching – more than 400 caches across the area;
- Escape games;
- Hiking with donkeys;
- Alpilles rail bike;
- A visit to the medieval castle for a family outing in Les Baux-de-Provence.
You now know what to do during your vacation in the Alpilles. As you can see, there is plenty to choose from. However, you cannot truly discover Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and its surroundings without staying in a local accommodation. Why not come to Camping Pegomas? Don’t wait any longer and book your stay for an unforgettable holiday in the Alpilles.