Our Favourite Places near St Remy de Provence
See the following pages for further details and lunch recommendations.
St Rémy: thriving and picturesque market town with strong artistic associations; a very easy place to mooch around at leisure – dipping in and out of galleries, shops and cafés - but don't miss out on the Roman remains of Glanum, the Van Gogh trail (combined with a visit to St Paul de Mausole and the Musée d’Estrine), and a meal at the Bistrot des Alpilles which is something of an institution in this town.
Alpilles: dramatic mountainous limestone ridge south of Maillane: our list of ‘musts’ include a visit to Les Baux, a tour around the beautiful villages dotting around the various wine and olive oil domaines; lunch in Eygaliéres (in the 2* Bistrot d’ Eygaliéres if your credit card can take it?) or at La Place in the centre of Maussane perhaps, and maybe some walking, biking or horse riding in the countryside?
Avignon: former papal seat famous for its 14th century Palais des Papes, the adjacent Rocher des Doms gardens, the Pont St Bénézet (of “Sous Le Pont d’Avignon” fame) and its world renowned summer festival.
Arles: Roman city – with a strong North African influence - best known for its amphitheatre and its bullfighting tradition. This fascinating city also has strong artistic associations – Van Gogh and Gauguin lived here for a time – and is now a recognised centre of photography.
Camargue: beautiful marshland region south of the Alpilles famous for its white horses, bulls and birdlife - explore by horse, bicycle, jeep or foot. For a range of activities, base yourself at the Domaine de Méjanes then treat yourself to lunch at fantastic organic restaurant La Chassagnette.
Villages Perchés of the Luberon: explore the famous mountain-top villages of the Luberon and treat yourself to a gourmet meal à la terrasse at La Feniére near Lourmarin or Le Mas des Herbes Blanches near Joucas. Well worth doing a balloon ride over the area – especially in lavender season, late June.
Antiquing in Isle sur la Sorgue: attractive town in the Vaucluse home to over 160 antiques dealers. Go on a Sunday, browse the antique shops and pick up fresh produce for dinner at the weekly market. Lunch at pretty trellised restaurant Le Carre d’Herbes, in the heart of the antiques area.
Canoeing under the Pont du Gard: canoe from Collias down the Gardon river finishing under this spectacular Roman aqueduct. Enjoy a riverside picnic or a leisurely lunch in the hill-top village of Castillon du Gard; combine perhaps with a wander round the medieval town of Uzés to the west.
Châteauneuf du Pape: we recommend wine tasting and picnic in this charming medieval village. Combine with a trip to Gigondas, Beaumes de Venise, and Vaison la Romaine if time permits.
Further Afield: Nîmes, Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Montpellier etc