1. Eygalières is one of the most beautiful villages in the Alpilles
Wander through the pleasant streets of Eygalières, lined with charming stone houses with traditionally carved doors… unless you get tempted into one of the authentic cafés on the way up… Pass by the time-worn fountains, washhouses and shrines till you reach the castle ruins on the rocky summit. It has an unforgettable panoramic view of the Alpilles and its surroundings – if you are not still sipping wine in one of the restaurants below.
2. The Alpilles Regional National Park
Nature lover, walker or archaeologist? You will be lured through rocky shrub lands where 4000 years of civilisation have shaped it into vineyards, rows of cypress trees, olive groves, and orchards.
The remains of the ancient aqueduct of Barbegal, the excavation site of Oppidum des Caisses de Jean-Jean, and the Hypogées de Fontvieille (remains of collective graves) are worth a visit.
Cyclist? Try the Joli Pas de la Figuière at 247m of altitude.
3. There are attractive hikes in and around the village.
I recommend;
- A quick walk east of the village to the 12th century Saint-Sixte Chapel (an iconic image of Provence)
- Le Gros Calan (3h05)
- Tête du Long Jean (3h15)
- After a visit to the museum in Orgon try the hike; Sentier de la Pierre. Follow the 3.5 km, blue path to discover geosites including an ancient fossil quarry and on to the Notre-Dame de Beauregard Chapel where you can marvel at the breathtaking 360° view.
4. The Friday Market.
Tourists and locals alike await the famous Friday market, located on Rue de la République. Enticing smells and flavours exude from an array of local produce, such as olive oil, fresh bread, black truffles (from November), cheese and meats.
5. Bump into someone famous.
The Provençal charm of Eygalières has drawn celebrities and influential people to visit. From Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Michel Drucker, Patrick Sabatier, Charles Aznavour, Alain Prost, Charlotte de Turckheim to François Hollande, seen with Julie Gayet, at the quaint little Paulette restaurant!
6. The olive groves produce some of the best olive oils.
For a great way to discover the olive products that Eygalières has to offer -visit L’Olivette, a small organic olive oil business.
7. Get in touch with your horticulturalist side.
Le Jardin de l’Alchimiste (The Alchemist’s Garden) will take you on an extraordinary journey to alchemy and its symbolism, guiding you through a secret labyrinth to discover the magical properties of plants used by ancient Provençale sorcerers.
Visit the Sentiers de l’Abondance (The Paths of Plenty). A charming plantation of wicker, medicinal plants and attractive flowers, all along the sinuous irrigation canals.
8. Eygalières makes an ideal starting point for your Provençal experience.
| Saint-Rémy-de-Provence | 10.1 km | For its cultural and historical sites, monuments and its Provençal market |
| Orgon | 11km | For geology, history, nature lovers and The Urgonia Museum |
| The Alpilles Regional National Park | 12.4 km | Stunning views and hikes |
| Les Baux-de-Provence | 12.6 km | One of the most beautiful villages in France. History |
| L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue | 19.5 km | Set on canals. Antique markets |
| Les Baux de Provence | 21.8 km | Old village winding up to its famous citadel. Les Carrières de Lumieres art show in a former quarry -projecting famous paintings set to music |
| Avignon | 24 km | Palace of the Popes and the Avignon Bridge. Lively cafés, wine bars |
| Gordes | 26 km | Stunning, perched village. Neolithic settlement. Sénanque Abbey –set in lavender fields |
| Arles | 27 km | Roman ruins, Carmague games, home to Van Gogh |
9. For a little history…
The hilltop Virgin Mary, erected in 1893, pays tribute to (an unknown) miracle and stands alongside The Tour de l’Horloge (a symbol of Eygalière’s independence) built in 1672 from the castle’s rocks. Below is the XIII century dungeon – from which you can now easily escape as only the vaulted ground floor remains.
The bell from the Penitents Chapel tower, however, has escaped. The chapel interestingly served as a mass grave throughout the Great Plague in 1720. The chapel has now been transformed into Maurice Pezet’s Museum of Local History.
A little further on, you will stumble upon the XII century Saint-Laurent Church.
10. Some of the most sort after villas for rent are located in this area of Provence.
After a hike and a trip to the market, you can try out a Provençal recipe in your authentic villa. With a good bottle of Côte du Rhône you can dip your feet in the pool and admire the view.
Browse our Provence villa rentals collection!
I rest my case!