Les Alpilles, the range of low mountains in southern France bounded by Arles, Avignon and Salon-de-Provence, offer fine vews of fertile fields, vineyards and olive orchards, beautiful historic towns and villages, good wines and excellent cuisine.

And plenty of warmth and sun.

Famed herbes de Provence grow wild and fragrant in the limestone hills and valleys of the maquis.

Much of the region is now protected as the Parc Naturel Régional des Alpilles.

Historic villages such as Fontvieille, Maussane and, above all, Les Baux-de-Provence (90 km/56 miles northwest of Marseille) and St-Rémy-de-Provence preserve the character and culture of the region. Castles, fortresses, fortified abbeys and convents are open to visits.

Artists and writers have come to Les Alpilles for its light, colors and rich spirit: you'll find souvenirs of Vincent van Gogh, Alphonse Daudet, Fréderic Mistral and others during your wanderings here.

Although you can easily use Arles or Avignon as your base for explorations of Les Alpilles, you can get into the spirit even more by staying at an inn in Les Baux, St-Rémy, or one of the other towns right in the midst of Les Alpilles.

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