Visit the Alpilles Regional Natural Park: full guide

On holiday in the South of France in the Var department? Discover the Alpilles Regional Natural Park in the Bouches-du-Rhône without further delay

The Alpilles Regional Natural Park was launched in 2007 in the South. With its 510 square kilometers, it is one of the smallest regional parks in France. It extends the list of French regional natural parks by placing itself as the forty-fifth of France and the fifth of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.

The local elect fought for many years to see the birth of this park. The goal? Preserve the biological heritage of the Alpilles, but also to preserve the many forest fires. The park is composed of sixteen communes, including Saint-Rémy de Provence and Les Baux de Provence for the best known. Discover all the available ways to visit the Alpilles Regional Natural Park.

The Alpilles Regional Natural Park in a few words

Although they are essentially famous thanks to their Provencal villages , the Alpilles win to be discovered in their entirety for their wealth and diversity. Indeed, the vegetation of the park, typically Provencal and Luxuriant, consists of vineyards, olive trees, almond trees, garrigue which makes the site a magical place to explore.

The Alpilles are also fascinating for their history: more than 4,000 years of civilization can be seen on the site. Indeed, there are more than one hundred and ten listed monuments and several archaeological sites such as Glanum, the Oppidum des Caisses de Jean-Jean or the Meunerie Romaine de Barbegal and the Hypogees de Fontvieille. All are archaeological gems of great value.

Finally, it is important to highlight its privileged situation at the top of the Alpilles-Crau-Camargue Golden Triangle. There are different ways to visit the Alpilles Natural Park that we will discover together.

1. Hiking

This is one of the favourite activities of visitors to Parc des Alpilles. Indeed, walking through the many hiking trails is a simple happiness that you can give yourself or with the whole family. There are more than 20 circuits in the park.

For hikers, one important thing is: the place is a protected site. Indeed, between June 1 and September 30 access to forest stocks is regulated by a prefectural order and possibly by municipal decree. The purpose of this regulation is to prevent fires that occur mainly in the summer. It is then necessary to keep informed before going on a hike.

For this, a color code that varies from green to red is available on the access map. This one tells you if it is possible to walk all day or if it is forbidden.

The shortest of hiking tours in the park is Fontvieille with 1 hour walk for 3 kilometers. The Mouriès hike is one of the longest with about 19 kilometers.

2.VTT

This is one of the best ways to discover the Alpilles Regional Natural Park. Whether in mountain biking or mountain biking, the Park has many trails between hiking trails and countryside roads. For the mountain bike trails you must have a minimum of 2 hours of walk and about 30 kilometers.

If you want to visit the Alpilles Regional Natural Park in the family, a cycle path connects Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to Saint-Étienne-du-Grès. It is totally suitable for a walk with children: the road is flat, separated from the road and its 10 kilometers separating the two villages are mostly flat.

3.ULM

Admiring a place from the air is an unrivalled experience. What better then than flying over the Alpilles Park on a self-gire ULM? This baptism of air in gyrocopter will allow you to enjoy beautiful landscapes seen from the sky.

Aboard an autogire, a small helicopter that works thanks to the wind, let yourself be charmed by the beauty of the village of Baux de Provence seen from above. Also observe the fields of olive trees, almond trees.

Practical information

• When you arrive, you will meet the pilot of the engine that will welcome you to the airport to clear what awaits you. A theoretical course will be given to you to know the flight rules and safety instructions;
• It is possible to make a self-governing ULM baptism from 7 years. However, it is important to know that flights are only possible from one meter to twenty in height and that it should not exceed 110 kilos. It is also recommended to wear a casual outfit to carry out the flight;
• The flights last about 40 minutes and fly over the Alpilles Park and the Baux de Provence. This can be done at any time in the year;
• A baptism of air in self-governing ULM can be done from 150 €.

4. Safari 4×4

Why not visit the Alpilles Regional Natural Park in 4×4? Circuits are organized all year round to make you discover this incredible environment. Two options are proposed. Go and explore the park with a guide driver. He will explain to you all the riches to know about fauna and flora and can also tell you the historical anecdotes about the traditions and culture of the territory.

You will pass through private domains, outside the beaten paths that you could never explore alone. Stops in iconic villages are planned. You can see the mythical village of the Baux de Provence in particular.

Practical information

• It is possible to make a 4×4 excursion in the Alpilles Park from Monday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 14 heures à 18 heures ;
• These excursions are for everyone, but are nevertheless subject to the conditions of the weather;
• Reservations are mandatory with a deposit of 30%;
• Think of what to drink and cover your head;
• A 4×4 discovery tour of the Alpilles Park is accessible from 48 € for 4 hours per person. For a day trip, count about 96 €.

5. Helicopter

You might want to visit the Alpilles Regional Natural Park in a very special way... Flying over the park is then a possible option. To do this, you will take off from Avignon Airport to the Alpilles. As a bonus, you can contemplate from the sky the famous Palace of the Popes with Avignon Bridge and the city walls.

You will arrive on the Alpilles massif a few minutes after takeoff. From there you can see the change of radical scenery with rocks of an intense limestone white.

Practical information

• There are different flight options. You can choose the flight time, which will determine your program. To fly over the Alpilles, you will need to take the 25-minute flight option. From there you will fly over Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the Baux de Provence, the Alpilles and the Tour des Opies, which is the highest point of the massif;
• You can make a baptism alone or several from the age of 8. However, access is prohibited to people measuring more than 1m95. Pregnant women can do this activity. However, people with reduced mobility cannot board;
• To fly to the Alpilles Regional Natural Park, you will have to pay 240 € for a person.

6. Horse riding

Would you like to visit the Alpilles Regional Natural Park in an original way? So, test horseback rides for an epic and 100% natural visit. Equestrian hikes are generally appreciated by visitors and especially families because the activity combines fun and discovery.

So go with your guide between pinewood and olive trees in small groups or more. The tour duration is between 1h30 and 3 hours but you can also choose the option over several days. You will pass through iconic Alpilles sites, such as the Alpilles Canal, but also the Château des Baux de Provence.

Regardless of your level of riding, go for a cultural exploration of the region in a unique setting.

Practical information

• The discovery of the Alpilles Regional Natural Park depends on the option you will choose. For 1h30 walk, count 30 € on average, for 3 hours, the price is about 50 € ;
• There is also the option of a gourmet ride where the rate takes 1h30 on horseback and then a tasting of local products from 50 €.