Place Favier, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence © French Moments
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Rachel

Last Updated: 14 March 2024

Last August, we were in Provence, in the area around Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, for a couple of days. The south of France is always a popular destination with a guaranteed warm summer. It was definitely sizzling when we were there, and afternoon naps were a must! Here are some of our favourite places around Saint-Rémy-de-Provence that we think you will love visiting on your next dream holiday.

Watch our short video presentation of Saint-Rémy:

 

 

A dream holiday in and around Saint-Rémy-de-Provence!

Some of my best childhood memories have been spent in holiday homes in France. There is something special about everyone being together on holiday, away from the rat race and day-to-day life.

Long lunches, swimming in the pool, no schedules – except to know when the boulangerie is open! – no school runs or appointments… just being!

My family were eight without adding any extras, and finding suitable accommodation wasn’t always easy.

We usually chose large gîtes to rent in France, often with a pool which meant my parents got to relax a bit too as we were happy to swim as much as possible!

Big Domain specialise in large holiday homes across the UK and Europe, sleeping eight or more people. They offer not only luxury holiday homes but also party houses for unforgettable special occasions, wedding venues and corporate venues.

If you have a big family or are planning to go on holiday with a few family groups or treasured friends, then check out Big Domain’s lovely selection.

The villa near Saint-Rémy

The villa near Saint-Rémy

The villa near Saint-Rémy

The villa near Saint-Rémy

The villa near Saint-Rémy

The villa near Saint-Rémy

The villa near Saint-Rémy

The villa near Saint-Rémy

 

Once you’ve got to your holiday destination, there is nothing better than unpacking your suitcase and then heading to the terrace with a bottle of rosé and perhaps some local cheese and olives to start off your holiday the way you mean to go on! 

The next morning you wake up in paradise… Provence is waiting for you with sunshine-filled days that start with coffee and croissants in the garden surrounded by lavender.

Coffee in Provence - Stock Photos from CharMoment - Shutterstock
Coffee in Provence – Stock Photos from CharMoment – Shutterstock

 

After breakfast, start your adventures with one of the amazing markets held in many of the Provençal villages and towns around Saint-Rémy-de-Provence! For information on local market days click here.

Provençal market - Stock Photos from Nikolay Dimitrov - ecobo - Shutterstock
Provençal market – Stock Photos from Nikolay Dimitrov – ecobo – Shutterstock

 

The local produce is so colourful, and if you’re like me, you’ll feel like buying all the vegetables and fresh fruit in sight! Provence is well known for its local goats cheeses, and don’t forget to grab some marinated olives, fresh bread, candied fruits and nougat.

You might also find some local pesto and freshly baked pissaladière which is a Provençal pizza made with onions, olives and anchovies – trust me, it’s delicious!

By now, it’s probably nearly time for lunch, and the terraces of lively restaurants are waiting for you to tuck into their plat du jour:

At a Provençal restaurant - Stock Photos from ClaudiaMMImages - Shutterstock
At a Provençal restaurant – Stock Photos from ClaudiaMMImages – Shutterstock

 

In the afternoon, you might like to retire to your home for a ‘sieste‘ before going out again to do some sightseeing around Saint-Rémy-de-Provence:

Les Baux-de-Provence © French Moments
In the village of Les Baux-de-Provence © French Moments

 

After a warm day full of new adventures and memory-making you will definitely have earned a glass of chilled Provençal rosé back at your holiday home!

Fancy a glass of Provençal rosé ? - Stock Photos from barmalini - Shutterstock
Fancy a glass of Provençal rosé ? – Stock Photos from barmalini – Shutterstock

 

At sunset, the atmosphere is serene and eerie. Enjoy the peaceful evening and the lyrical chorus of the cicadas. Time stands still.

A tranquil sunset in the Provençal vineyards - Stock Photos from Troy Wegman - Shutterstock
A tranquil sunset in the Provençal vineyards – Stock Photos from Troy Wegman – Shutterstock

 

Just divine, isn’t it?

Is this the kind of holiday in Provence you’re dreaming of too? 

After visiting the main sites of the old town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, you’ll want to enjoy some days discovering the fantastic neighbouring countryside made up of charming villages, old medieval castles, delightful Provençal views, olive groves, vineyards and craggy, rocky mountains. Pierre is now going to share a selection of the best sites to see around Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

 

What to see around Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

I (Pierre) have selected a number of must-see sites around Saint-Rémy-de-Provence that are found within a radius of 25 kilometres.

To discover the many places of interest around Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, it is recommended that you have access to a car. Public transport would make it difficult to go from one place to the other… and remember, there is no train station in Saint-Rémy!

 

The old town of Saint-Rémy

Place Favier, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence © French Moments
The charming little square of Place Favier, Saint-Rémy-de-P. © French Moments

 

The old town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence itself makes a great outing (if you’re not staying in town). You will need half a day to explore the narrow streets and intimate squares of Saint-Rémy.

I have published a self-guided walk that you might find useful or use for inspiration for your own exploration. You’ll find the old fountains, cobbled narrow streets lined with aged buildings, boutiques and Provençal restaurants irresistible!

The town-hall, Place Jules Pelissier, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence © French Moments
The town-hall, Place Jules Pelissier, Saint-Rémy-de-P. © French Moments
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence © French Moments
Porte Saint-Paul, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence © French Moments
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence © French Moments
The boulevard encircling the old town © French Moments
Place Favier, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence © French Moments
Place Favier, Saint-Rémy-de-P. © French Moments
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence © French Moments
The crenellated round tower, place Favier © French Moments

 

The Roman ruins of Les Antiques and Glanum

On the outskirts of Saint-Rémy are some of the most spectacular Roman ruins that History has left us. They rank amongst the best architectural examples of Roman civilisation in France.

The first is Les Antiques. Under this name are two amazing edifices: the Triumphal arch and the Mausoleum.

Les Antiques in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence © French Moments
Les Antiques in Saint-Rémy-de-P. © French Moments

 

The  Triumphal arch

The triumphal arch is known for being the oldest from Narbonese Gaul, dating back to the beginning of the 1st century A.D.

It was built to celebrate the Roman conquest of Gaul by Julius Caesar. At the time of its construction, it was located at the entrance of the Roman city of Glanum.

Les Antiques in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence © French Moments
The Triumphal Arch, Les Antiques © French Moments
Les Antiques in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence © French Moments
Details of the The Triumphal Arch, Les Antiques © French Moments
Les Antiques in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence © French Moments
Under the arch, Les Antiques © French Moments

 

The Mausoleum

The Mausoleum is arguably the most beautiful one of its kind from the Roman Empire which has survived perfectly intact. The monument was built in 30-20 B.C. by the Julii. This influential family dedicated the monument to their father and grandfather who had served in Julius Caesar’s army.

Les Antiques in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence © French Moments
The Mausoleum, Les Antiques © French Moments
Les Antiques in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence © French Moments
The top of the Mausoleum, Les Antiques © French Moments
Les Antiques in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence © French Moments
The top of the Mausoleum, Les Antiques © French Moments

 

The antique city of Glanum

The antique city of Glanum is located at the foot of the Alpilles. The Roman ruins are among the oldest and largest archaeological sites in Europe.

The site was occupied by Celto-Ligurians in the 3rd century B.C., well before the region was conquered by the Romans under Julius Caesar.

Under Emperor Augustus, Glanum was elevated to the prestigious status of a Colonia. New buildings and monuments were constructed or old ones enlarged: a forum, various baths, temples, and a basilica. All of them are organised along an extensive residential avenue.

The city was prosperous until the Barbarian Invasions when Glanum was destroyed in a raid by the Germanic tribe in 260.

Glanum, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence © French Moments
General view of the antique site of Glanum © French Moments
Glanum, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence © French Moments
General view of the antique site of Glanum © French Moments
Glanum, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence © French Moments
The antique site of Glanum © French Moments
Glanum, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence © French Moments
The antique site of Glanum © French Moments

 

Visit the official website of Glanum.

 

The Alpilles mountain range

South of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence lies the Alpilles mountain range.

The Alpilles are the local ‘little Alps‘ (hence their name!). It’s not difficult to understand when you admire the craggy and rocky mountains. Their white slopes are made up of bare limestone rock and scrub.

On many occasions, you do feel like you are somewhere in Greece!

Alpilles © French Moments
Strange rock formation in the Alpilles near Les Baux © French Moments

 

While driving or hiking across the Alpilles, you will most certainly see many remarkable panoramic views. There are great vistas to Avignon, Mont Ventoux and the Cévennes on the north side, the Plain of Crau and Arles on the south side.

Alpilles © French Moments
The Alpilles © French Moments

 

The village and castle of Les Baux-de-Provence

10 km from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Les Baux-de-Provence is one of France’s most beautiful villages. Set atop a rocky spur, it displays panoramic views over the Crau plain, the Camargue and the city of Arles.

Les Baux-de-Provence © French Moments
The village of Les Baux-de-Provence © French Moments

 

Towering the village is the castle of Les Baux. The ruined fortress is hardly distinguishable from the edge of the plateau on which it was built. Nevertheless, it still features remnants of its turbulent past: the dominating keep, the Saracen tower (taking its name from the Saracen raiders who came from the South), and the Paravelle tower (used as a lookout tower).

Les Baux-de-Provence © French Moments
The village of Les Baux-de-Provence © French Moments
Les Baux-de-Provence © French Moments
In the village of Les Baux-de-Provence © French Moments
Les Baux-de-Provence © French Moments
The fantastic view from the Saracen Tower © French Moments

 

 

Eygalières and the St. Sixte chapel

12 km from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Eygalières is located to the east of Saint-Rémy. It is a typical Provençal village perched on a small hill surrounded by olive groves and vineyards.

Eygalières and the Alpilles © French Moments
Eygalières and the Alpilles © French Moments

 

The village is made up of winding, colourful and narrow streets which lead up to the keep of the ruined castle.

Eygalières owes its appeal to a combination of a very agreeable lifestyle, good restaurants, food and wines. It is no surprise that many French celebrities have bought holiday homes here!

Just outside the village of Eygalières stands a Romanesque chapel dedicated to Saint-Sixte. The sanctuary dates back to the 12th century. It stands isolated on top of a rocky mount. A beautiful picture postcard of Provence!

The St. Sixte chapel in Eygalières © French Moments
The St. Sixte chapel in Eygalières © French Moments
The St. Sixte chapel in Eygalières © French Moments
The St. Sixte chapel in Eygalières © French Moments
The St. Sixte chapel in Eygalières © French Moments
The small campanile of St. Sixte chapel in Eygalières © French Moments

 

Fontvieille and the Daudet Windmill

17 km from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

This typical Provençal village is famous for its… windmill! Known as the “Moulin d’Alphonse Daudet” the windmill is set on top of a hillock and dates back to 1814. For many years it has been associated with the memory of Provençal writer, Alphonse Daudet (1840-1897).

Daudet Windmill - Stock Photos from ladderadder - Shutterstock
Daudet Windmill – Stock Photos from ladderadder – Shutterstock

 

Next to the windmill is a small museum dedicated to the writer. From there, the amazing view stretches from the Alpilles to Beaucaire, Tarascon and the Rhône Valley.

Maybe you’ll be interested in visiting the nearby Montauban castle.

The castle of Montauban in Fontvieille - Stock Photos from Pack-Shot - Shutterstock
The castle of Montauban in Fontvieille – Stock Photos from Pack-Shot – Shutterstock

 

Built in the late 18th century, the château was the residence of the Ambroy family. Alphonse Daudet stayed there on several occasions. The monument is open to private visits during the summer season.

 

Abbaye de Montmajour

16 km from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

The formidable ruins of the fortified Benedictine monastery are a touristic destination for many who visit the region of Arles. The abbey was built between the 10th and 18th centuries.

The abbey of Montmajour - Stock Photos from LianeM - Shutterstock
The abbey of Montmajour – Stock Photos from LianeM – Shutterstock

 

Open to visits, the vast abbey complex is made up of six sections:

  • the hermitage (11th century), with the Chapel of St. Peter
  • the cloister (12th and 13th centuries)
  • the adjacent Chapel of the Holy Cross ( 12th century)
  • the fortified Monastery of St. Peter (14th century)
  • the Tower of Abbot Pons de l’Orme (14th century)
  • the Maurist monastery (17th century)

For more practical info, visit the official website of the abbey [in English]

 

The historic town of Arles

25 kms from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Arles from above - Stock Photos from Francois BOIZOT - Shutterstock
Arles from above – Stock Photos from Francois BOIZOT – Shutterstock

 

Listed by Unesco as a World Heritage Site, the historic centre of Arles is a must-see in France. Particularly if you are interested in Roman (and Romanesque) heritage sites! A few examples:

  • The remarkably well-preserved amphitheatre was built in 90 AD to seat over 20,000 spectators.
The Amphitheatre (Roman arena) in Arles - Stock Photos from Gerhard Roethlinger - Shutterstock
The Amphitheatre (Roman arena) in Arles – Stock Photos from Gerhard Roethlinger – Shutterstock

 

  • The Gallo-Roman theatre (built in the late 1st Century BC)
The antique theatre in Arles - Stock Photos from S.F. - Shutterstock
The antique theatre in Arles – Stock Photos from S.F. – Shutterstock

 

  • The Alyscamps is a large Roman necropolis built a short distance outside the walls of the old town. It ranks as one of the most famous necropolises of the ancient world. 
The Alyscamps in Arles - Stock Photos from Breno Saturnino - Shutterstock
The Alyscamps in Arles – Stock Photos from Breno Saturnino – Shutterstock

 

  • The former cathedral St. Trophimus was built in the 12th century. It is considered a major work of Romanesque architecture in the South of France.
Saint-Trophime cathedral in Arles - Stock Photos from illpaxphotomatic - Shutterstock
Saint-Trophime Cathedral in Arles – Stock Photos from illpaxphotomatic – Shutterstock

 

The twin towns of Tarascon and Beaucaire

16 km from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

The towns of Tarascon and Beaucaire face each other. They are only separated by the Rhône river.

Beaucaire is situated in the Gard département (Occitania region) while Tarascon is part of the Bouche-du-Rhône département (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region).

Both towns are historic and make a great outing not far from Saint-Rémy.

And both towns take great pride in their castles.

Beaucaire boasts many hôtels particuliers from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Beaucaire Castle - Stock Photos from LianeM - Shutterstock
Beaucaire Castle – Stock Photos from LianeM – Shutterstock

 

Tarascon has a beautiful old town centred around a Baroque town hall (1648).

Tarascon Castle - Stock Photos from Inu - Shutterstock
Tarascon Castle – Stock Photos from Inu – Shutterstock

 

Châteaurenard

13 km from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Situated halfway between Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Avignon, Châteaurenard is famous for its ruined castle.

Châteaurenard castle © Cyril-83 - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons
Châteaurenard castle © Cyril-83 – licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

Built between the 12th and 15th centuries, the medieval castle overlooks the town of Châteaurenard. Only two towers still stand today. The castle grounds are open at certain hours.

 

Barbentane

The old village of Barbentane is set at the foot of the medieval Anglica tower.

Anglica tower, Barbentane - Stock Photos from PHB.cz (Richard Semik) - Shutterstock
Anglica tower, Barbentane – Stock Photos from PHB.cz (Richard Semik) – Shutterstock
Porte Séquier, Barbentane - Stock Photos from PHB.cz (Richard Semik) - Shutterstock
Porte Séquier, Barbentane – Stock Photos from PHB.cz (Richard Semik) – Shutterstock

 

Beyond its narrow streets, old houses and fortified gates, Barbentane has another surprise in store. That is the castle of Barbentane – nicknamed the Little Provençal Trianon

The palace of Barbentane - Stock Photos from PHB.cz (Richard Semik) - Shutterstock
The palace of Barbentane – Stock Photos from PHB.cz (Richard Semik) – Shutterstock

 

This palace that could well be in the Paris region was built in 1674 and embellished in the 18th century. 

 

Avignon

20 km from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

General view of Avignon General View - Stock Photos from saiko3p : Shutterstock
General view of Avignon General View – Stock Photos from saiko3p : Shutterstock

 

Avignon is nicknamed the City of the Popes. Indeed, no less than 7 popes resided in the city during the Avignon Papacy, between 1309 and 1377. The city was the seat of Western Christianity during the 14th century. It stayed a papal possession until 1791 when it became French.

For this reason, Avignon is a major touristic spot. The historic centre has been listed by Unesco as a World Heritage site since 1995. It will take you a full day to visit all the main sights.

Be sure not to miss the following sights when visiting Avignon:

 

The Cathedral of Avignon

The cathedral of Avignon © French Moments
The cathedral of Avignon © French Moments

 

The cathedral of Notre Dame des Doms dates back to the 12th century. The Romanesque sanctuary overlooks the Rhône from a rocky outcrop. The western tower is surmounted by a gilded statue of the Virgin placed there in the 19th century.

 

The Popes’ Palace

The Popes' Palace in Avignon © French Moments
The Popes’ Palace in Avignon © French Moments

 

The Popes’ Palace (Palais des Papes) is an impressive fortress and palace built next to the cathedral. Construction started in 1316 and lasted until 1370. The medieval residence of the Popes is one of the largest Gothic buildings in all of Europe. 

>> Get your online ticket to the Palais des Papes <<

 

Sur le Pont d’Avignon…

Pont d'Avignon © French Moments
The ‘Pont d’Avignon’ (St. Bénézet bridge) © French Moments

 

You may well have heard about the French song “Sur le pont d’Avignon” (on the bridge of Avignon). The bridge still exists today. It is called Pont Saint-Bénézet. But it doesn’t reach the other bank of the Rhône any longer. Only four of the twenty-one piers are left. On one of the piers stands the picturesque Romanesque chapel of Saint-Bénézet.

>> Get your online ticket to the Avignon bridge St Bénézet <<

 

The ramparts

The ramparts of Avignon © French Moments
The ramparts of Avignon © French Moments

 

The town is one of the few French cities to have preserved its medieval ramparts. Built by the popes in the 14th century, the 4 km long fortifications still encircle Avignon with 39 massive towers, 7 gateways, and walls surmounted by machicolate battlements.

 

Villeneuve-lès-Avignon

The gateway of Fort St. André, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon © French Moments
The gateway of Fort St. André, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon © French Moments

 

Facing the historic city of Avignon, on the other side of the Rhône is Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. The residential town is spread out around the rocky spur dominated by the impressive Fort Saint-André.

Visit the website of Fort Saint-André [in English]

 

Good to know…

The area around Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is truly inspiring and we absolutely love this part of Provence. Here are a few of our tips for making the most out of your holiday there.

If you are a keen cyclist then it is a beautiful part of the world to cycle through.

Families will love exploring the Roman and Medieval ruins and learning a bit about ancient history.

We highly recommend booking a holiday home with a pool as it does get really hot in summer there. A good plan is to get up early and out before it’s too hot and then go back for a nap and a swim in the pool before maybe heading out again later afternoon.

Boutiques stay open late in France so it’s possible to go visit somewhere early evening when it will be a little cooler and then stay out for dinner or an evening stroll.

French restaurants generally do two sittings. If you’re travelling with children note the earliest you can probably book is for 7 pm or 7.30 pm but often locals will eat much later. Or why not book a private chef to come to your holiday home for a relaxed evening and have a leisurely meal once the children are in bed! 

We hope we’ve inspired you to visit Saint-Rémy-de-Provence on your next trip to France! Let us know if you have been and what you thought!

A family stroll in Provence - Stock Photos from BonnieBC - Shutterstock
A family stroll in Provence – Stock Photos from BonnieBC – Shutterstock

 

More info about Saint-Rémy!

 

Inspired? Pin it for later!

What to see around Saint-Rémy-de-Provence © French Moments

 

We would like to say “merci” to Big Domain for sponsoring this blog post. 

Some of the links for booking tickets in this blog post are affiliate links to some of our carefully selected partners. Using these links helps us keep the French Moments blog running. There’s no extra cost to you but French Moments receives a small amount of commission from the ticket sales. 

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About the author

Rachel grew up in England and was always very fond of France from a young age. Childhood memories of holidays in the Loire Valley, Dordogne and Brittany framed her love of France as a child. She is now bilingual and enjoys speaking French. She has a creative flair and loves cooking and recipe testing. She writes honestly about her French experiences as an expat which can at times be quite amusing.

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