Saint-Remy-de-Provence
The typical Provençal town, with its Roman remains and its circular boulevard shaded by plane trees enclosing the zigzagging alleys of the old centre.
Many artists' studios and a boho-chic atmosphere. Very touristic in season.
The Alpilles 6 km
Located between Arles and Avignon, the Alpilles chain is the geological extension of the Luberon; it is divided into Alpilles des Baux to the west, and Alpilles d'Eygalières to the east. The villages (Les Baux-de-Provence, Fontvieille, Maussane...) here have scents of thyme, rosemary and lavender. Between the vines and the oil mills, the colorful markets exude all the flavors of Provence. Since 2007, the Alpilles Regional Natural Park aims to preserve the specific identity of the place by ensuring its economic development.
Castle of Les Baux-de-Provence
The Château des Baux, demolished in 1632 on the orders of Richelieu, retains some interesting remains: ruins of the citadel, towers, castle chapel (12th-16th centuries) and dungeon opening onto a magnificent panorama. It is accessed through a space that tells, with the help of models, the great hours of the site. Among the other curiosities: the monument dedicated to the poet Charloun-Rieu, the Quiqueran hospital (16C) and the St-Blaise chapel. The castle offers entertainment, including the Medieval Baux from mid-April to late August.
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alley of the Castle, 13520 Les Baux-de-Provence
04 90 54 55 56 www.chateau-baux-provence.com
The Palace of the Popes at 18 km
This 15,000 m2 residence is made up of the Palais Vieux and the Palais Neuf. The first, a fortress of austere architecture, was commissioned by Benedict XII in 1334. Clement VI, great prince of the Church, artist and prodigal, must have found the nest very severe: in 1342 he asked Jean de Louvres for the Palais Neuf. The Garde-Robe tower and two new buildings closed off the main courtyard, which had hitherto been a public square. While the exterior appearance hardly changed, the interior was sumptuously decorated by a team of artists, led by Simone Martini and then by Matteo Giovannetti.
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Place du Palais-des-Papes, 84000 Avignon
04 90 27 50 50
www.avignon-tourisme.com
Gardens of Saint-André Abbey 20 km
Climb to the remains of the St-André abbey in Villeneuve-les-Avignon, founded by the Benedictines in the 10th century. Its Italian and Mediterranean gardens are dazzling! Vaulted paths of roses, ponds, fountains, statues and tall cypresses enliven the promenade, which offers superb views of Avignon. And to savor the show, deckchairs are available...
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Rue de la Montée-du-Fort, 30400 Villeneuve-lez-Avignon
www.abbayesaintandre.fr
Antiques Plateau 1.7 km
It consists of the city of Glanum, abandoned in the 3rd c. following the barbarian invasions of which two superb monuments remain, the mausoleum and the municipal arch which, placed in a pine wood, make up a most romantic ensemble.
***Route des Baux, 13210 Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Quarries of Lights 5 km
In the half-light of former quarries, the immaculate limestone walls of the tall rooms and pillars serve as screens for a giant three-dimensional audiovisual projection. The programming, linked to the big names in art history, changes every year.
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Village of Les Baux-de-Provence 6 km away
This marvelous fortified village is stormed on sunny days. Among the buildings to see: the old town hall and its museum of figurines, and the Hôtel de Porcelet which houses the Yves-Brayer museum, author of the pastoral scenes in the chapel of the White Penitents (17C). On Place St-Vincent, enjoy the view of the Vallon de la Fontaine and the Val d'Enfer and admire the church partly carved into the rock. Further on, you will see the former Protestant temple, the Hôtel de Manville, the communal ovens and the foundation of the publisher Louis-Jou (1881-1968) nestled in a Renaissance house.
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King's House, 13520 Les Baux-de-Provence
04 90 54 34 39
Tarascon Castle 14 km
It was one of the favorite residences of King René of Anjou who commissioned the refined decoration from the outside which is beyond suspicion. You have to see the barnyard with its apothecary, the royal court with the chapel of the singers and the polygonal staircase turret. As for the royal residence, with its wooden ceilings decorated with paintings and its fireplaces, it proves that here, as in Angers, King René appreciated comfort and sumptuous parties. From the terrace, magnificent panorama of the surroundings.
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Boulevard du Roi-René, 13150 Tarascon
04 90 91 01 93
www.tarascon.fr
Doms Rock 18 km
A beautiful garden with various species laid out just a stone's throw from the Palais des Papes. From the terraces, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Rhône, the Saint-Bénézet bridge, the Philippe-le-Bel tower and the Saint-André fort in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, the Ventoux, the Alpilles.
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Avignon