Hiking in the Alpilles: 8 Trails Through Garrigue and Olive Groves
Between Arles, Salon-de-Provence, and Avignon, the Alpilles form a limestone island suspended above the Crau plain. This small mountain range — barely 25 kilometres long — hides a remarkable density of landscapes and trails: sun-bleached ridges, gnarled olive trees, garrigue fragrant with thyme and rosemary, and medieval villages perched on rocky spurs.
The Alpilles Regional Nature Park has protected this territory since 2007. Its waymarked trails offer a range of hikes suited to all levels, from family loops in the valley floors to airy ridgelines with views across the Camargue on clear days.
Here are 8 carefully selected routes in the Alpilles to help you explore the massif from every angle.
1. Alpilles Cliffs – Lac des Sports Nautiques Loop (Orgon)
Distance: 18.9 km | Elevation: +386 m | Level: Intermediate | Duration: 5h30
Orgon, on the eastern edge of the massif, is often overlooked in favour of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Yet it's an ideal starting point to discover the limestone cliffs in their wildest form. This loop follows the southern faces of the Alpilles — fully south-facing — with spectacular views over the Durance river and the Luberon.
The sports lake near the end of the route offers a welcome rest stop beside the water. The trail crosses dense garrigue — kermes oak, lavender, thyme — before climbing to the rocky ridgeline. One of the most demanding routes in this selection, but also one of the most stunning.
2. Les Opies – Golf de Mouriès Pond Loop
Distance: 18.0 km | Elevation: +164 m | Level: Easy to Intermediate | Duration: 4h30
Mouriès is the olive capital of the Alpilles — Les Baux-de-Provence AOP olive oil is produced largely in and around this commune. This route winds through the most remarkable olive groves in the massif, with centuries-old trees twisted into sculptural forms.
Les Opies are the highest points of the massif (498 m) and can be seen from afar across the plain. The ascent is gradual and rewards you with a 360° panorama over the Alpilles, the Camargue, the Crau and, on clear days, the sea. The golf pond near Mouriès adds a gentle finishing note.
3. Mont Paon Archaeological Site Loop (Maussane-les-Alpilles)
Distance: 17.7 km | Elevation: +272 m | Level: Intermediate | Duration: 4h30
Mont Paon, in the heart of the southern Alpilles, contains archaeological remains dating back to antiquity — Roman occupation, a medieval oppidum, traces of olive oil presses. This route blends history and nature with a beautiful traverse of the scented garrigue before climbing to the heights.
Maussane-les-Alpilles is a quintessentially Provençal village, with a lively market and restaurants serving local specialities (tapenade, brandade, Alpilles lamb). It makes an excellent base for this hike, or a perfect place to end the day on a shaded terrace.
4. Vallon des Caisses de Jean-Jean – Alpilles Regional Nature Park
Distance: 16.9 km | Elevation: +186 m | Level: Easy | Duration: 4h
This route through the Vallon des Caisses de Jean-Jean is one of the most accessible and picturesque in the Alpilles. The path winds between limestone rock formations carved with caisses (karstic depressions) in a landscape that feels both lunar and poetic.
The trail stays mostly in the valley floor, making it relatively gentle while still offering full immersion in the garrigue. The silence, the cicadas (in summer), the particular quality of southern light — everything conspires to make this loop feel like time standing still.
5. Vallée des Baux – Les Baux-de-Provence Viewpoint Loop (Maussane)
Distance: 15.4 km | Elevation: +325 m | Level: Intermediate | Duration: 4h
Les Baux-de-Provence, a medieval village listed among the most beautiful in France, sits perched on a rocky spur at 245 m altitude. This loop offers the finest approach on foot: you discover the fortress from the valley below before climbing to the ridgeline for a bird's-eye view over the ruins and olive groves.
The Vallée des Baux is the birthplace of the Baux-de-Provence AOP olive oil — one of the most prestigious in Europe. The mills along the trail are still active during olive harvest season (November–December). Out of season, the olive groves offer a serene, luminous atmosphere.
6. Belle Vue – Lac de Peiron Loop (Saint-Rémy-de-Provence)
Distance: 14.9 km | Elevation: +348 m | Level: Intermediate | Duration: 4h
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is the northern gateway to the Alpilles. Van Gogh lived here in the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum and painted some of his greatest masterpieces — olive fields, cypress trees, tortured ridgelines. It's impossible to hike here without those colours in mind.
This route quickly climbs from the town centre to offer open views across the Crau plain and the Alpilles in full relief. The Lac de Peiron, below the ridgeline, is a peaceful retreat in this mineral landscape. The moderate elevation gain makes it a good option for regular hikers wanting a taste of the ridges without committing to a full day.
7. Vallée des Baux – Second Variant (Maussane)
Distance: 14.7 km | Elevation: +284 m | Level: Intermediate | Duration: 4h
This second loop from Maussane-les-Alpilles takes a slightly different line through the Vallée des Baux, favouring agro-pastoral tracks and singletrack paths rather than the open ridges. It's ideal for hikers who want to extend their stay in the area or discover the valley from a complementary angle.
Along the way, you'll pass Provençal mas (farmhouses), cypress hedges planted to block the mistral, and olive groves stretching to the horizon. The late afternoon light on the Baux cliffs is especially beautiful. A more intimate hike than the ridge routes, but just as rewarding.
8. Lac de Peiron – Les Baux Viewpoint Loop (Saint-Rémy)
Distance: 14.5 km | Elevation: +332 m | Level: Intermediate | Duration: 4h
This loop from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is the shortest among those offering a panoramic view over Les Baux-de-Provence and the Vallée des Baux. It combines a ridgeline ascent, a descent to Lac de Peiron, and a return through semi-wooded plain, delivering a beautiful variety of landscapes in under 15 km.
Ideal for those with limited time, or who want to combine hiking with a visit to Saint-Rémy (Wednesday market, the Antiques, Glanum site). Don't let the in-town start fool you — the ridges are rocky and require proper footwear.
Hiking in the Alpilles: Practical Information
Best time to visit
The Alpilles are best hiked in spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). In summer, heat is intense, wildfire risk is high (some trails close between June and September), and water sources dry up. In winter, the massif is pleasant in good weather, but the mistral can make the ridges inhospitable.
Getting there and parking
Most trailheads are at signposted car parks at the edge of villages (Maussane, Saint-Rémy, Orgon, Mouriès). Saint-Rémy-de-Provence has a bus connection from Avignon. The rest of the massif is best accessed by car.
Water and supplies
Springs on the trails are rare or dry out in summer. Always start with at least 2 litres of water. Villages have fountains and shops for stocking up before or after your hike.
Map and waymarking
The Alpilles trails are marked in yellow (short walks, PR) and red/white (GR 6, which crosses the massif). The IGN 1:25000 map 3043 OT (Alpilles) covers the entire range.
Recommended gear
A few essentials for comfortable hiking in the Alpilles:
- Footwear: sturdy hiking shoes with a rigid sole, essential on the limestone ridges
- Poles: telescopic trekking poles protect your knees on descents
- Sun protection: a wide-brim hat or cap for exposed sections
- Backpack: a 20–25 L daypack is plenty for the routes in this selection
Explore more hikes nearby
The Alpilles are part of a region rich in natural sites and walking trails. To keep exploring, check out these articles:
- Hiking in the Calanques of Marseille
- The 10 most beautiful hikes in the Luberon
- How to prepare your first hike: the complete guide
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