Les Alpilles is a village house set in an elevated position with stunning mountain views just a couple of minutes walk from the heart of the pretty Provençal village of Eygalières.
Set in Les Alpilles Nature Park, this is one of the prettiest villages in Provence with its winding lanes, lovely landscapes of the surrounding countryside and authentic charm. In recent years some A-list celebrities have bought villas in and around the village, including just next door to Les Alpilles.
There is a village church, a bakery, butchers, a handful of restaurants and cafes-bars plus a lovely Provençal market on a Friday morning.
Just a short drive away is famous St-Rémy (12km), a town well-known as a home to many artists who sell their work in the local art galleries. In the summer months, on selected Sundays, the ‘Route des Artistes’ fills with local artists showing off their work creating a wonderful and bustling atmosphere. The town is also famous for its many restaurants, from down to earth bistros found on pretty narrow streets to Michelin starred establishments and food lovers shouldn’t miss the market on a Wednesday morning.
Further south in Les Alpilles Nature Park are many other archetypal Provençal villages such as Mausanne, well-known for its amazing olive oil and Les Baux-de-Provence (22km), one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages, built into the rock in an incredible setting.
Van Gogh’s favourite haunts of Arles (41km) to the south and Gordes (33km) in the outstanding Luberon region, are other wonderful places to visit, passing fields of sunflowers or lavender in the summer as well as vineyards and olive groves across this captivating region.
The small but lively city of Avignon (32km) is worthy of a visit during your stay. Explore the winding medieval streets, experience further excellent dining opportunities and visit two UNESCO world heritage sites, the Pope’s Palace and Saint Benezet Bridge. The covered market offers all sorts of delights or head to the weekend farmers, flower and flea markets for wonderful local produce and a bargain or two. The bohemian quarter of the city, just next to the Sorgue river, has more of a village atmosphere with its artists, musicians, cafes and wine-bars.
Those looking for activity have so much on their doorstep with tennis in the village, both horse-riding and golf within a short drive as well as some beautiful hikes and cycle routes to follow, with some wonderful walks from the house itself. Family-friendly activities across the region include pony-rides, rock-climbing, a zoo to the south and even a delightful model-railway to the north whilst the most adventurous can try trekking across the tree tops at an activity centre or kayaking in Provence.
The Region
Stay in and around the region of Avignon to discover picturesque villages, historic towns, Côtes du Rhône vineyards and beautiful landscapes of summer sunflowers, olive groves and rural countryside. This is a fantastic base for exploring much of Provence and beyond.
With its historic, gastronomic and cultural riches, the small city of Avignon stands proudly by the banks of the Rhône, home to vibrant markets, restaurants, wine-bars and impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites.
One of the most visited monuments of France, Le Palais des Papes is in the heart of the old city, next to the 12th century cathedral and leafy Jardin des Doms where you can admire gorgeous views of the river and Provençal countryside beyond. Soak up the rich history of Le Pont d’Avignon on a guided tour before heading over the river to capture photogenic shots of the city from île de la Barthelasse, France’s largest river island. Avignon’s little tourist road train is a great way to explore the historic city with young children.
Stock up on seasonal fruit, vegetables and regional delights at the beautiful covered market at Les Halles d’Avignon or wait for the main Saturday morning Provençal market near the 14th century Basilique Saint-Pierre. Embrace the city’s food scene across its many cafes and restaurants from the tourist haunts of Place de l’Horloge to hidden gems found on the charming side streets and shady squares of the old quarter. Avignon is also known for its Côtes du Rhône wineries and bars waiting to be discovered.
In July the 3-week long Festival d’Avignon takes over the city, a world-renowned event with contemporary performing arts, films and exhibitions taking place across theatres, cinemas and outdoor venues.
Beyond the city centre, hire bikes to cycle along part of the via Rhôna route or enjoy the landscapes of île de la Barthelasse passing farmland, orchards and vistas across the river towards Avignon’s city centre. Meanwhile, antique lovers won’t want to miss the Saturday morning brocante in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, one of Provence’s most famous flea markets, or venture further afield to the wonderful Sunday morning brocante in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
Embrace the Provençal ambience across villages of the Vaucluse – one of our favourites is charming Pernes-les-Fontaines, loved for its many fountains and delightful market every Saturday morning and Wednesday evening in July and August. Velleron is famed for its early evening farmers’ market open throughout the year (six evenings a week from April to September) whilst Saint-Didier and Venasque are two other picture-perfect Provençal villages to discover.
Driving south instead, visit the art galleries and Wednesday morning market of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a bustling town on the edge of Les Alpilles where Vincent Van Gogh lived towards the end of his life. Enjoy lunch on a pavement terrace in the idyllic hilltop village of Eygalières (you may even spot a discreet A-list celebrity or two) or head south-west of Avignon to embrace the historic ambience of Tarascon and Beaucaire with their impressive castles overlooking the Rhône river.
