Serge V.
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Published route(s)
Aureille: through the olive groves
In the heart of the Alpilles Regional Nature Park, this circuit crosses vast olive groves, runs alongside a canal and an old sandpit, and passes close to a Vaudoret oil mill.
Le Rocher des Deux Trous (The Rock with Two Holes)
At the heart of the Alpilles Regional Nature Reserve, a small easy hike on good paths. The route takes you to the picturesque Rock with Two Holes painted by Van Gogh during his stay in Saint-Paul de Mausole from May 1889 to May 1890. It offers vast panoramic views over the two slopes of the Alpilles. To the south, in clear weather the view stretches to the Mediterranean, to the north over the Montagnette, the Gard, the Mont Ventoux, etc.
The Quatre Termes and Baume Brignolle
A hike in the Alpilles along good paths. A varied landscape ranging from pine forest to Mediterranean scrubland with fine views over the hills and valleys.
The Saint Sixtus chapel and the "Tête du Long Jean"
The route starts from a typical village of the Alpilles, takes you past a chapel famous for its beauty in a delightful setting, and continues round a hill with views of the north slope of the ridge and the plain of Mollégès. On the return leg, there is a superb view of the old village of Eygalières.
Spectacular scenic views of Baux-de-Provence
A short hike around Baux-de-Provence, mostly on good trails. There is a short climb down a well-maintained rocky path. 360° views at the viewpoint (or what remains of it). The Baux cover "every angle" with many panoramic views. Return via the village with the option to pay it a visit.
The Watchtower by the North Slope in Les Baux-de-Provence
A circuit on the north slope of the Alpilles on good tracks nice, overlooking cross-shaded valleys and ridges that offer views on all sides of the Alpilles. The view goes far beyond this. The tour starts with a track which “keeps its cards close to its chest”. Apart from the return by the GR 6, you will meet few if any other people on this route that is far off the beaten track.
The Gaudre de Valample
Starting from the Barrage des Peirou, this hike takes you through the forest and along a ridge trail with panoramic views of the southern slopes of the Alpilles. You can start or end your walk by strolling along the lake.
The Lombards trail via the ridge
A ridge walk starting off the beaten track, with views over the south of the Alpilles. A climb through an almost untouched valley to join the ridge trail, offering panoramic views of the north.
The Oppidum des Bringasses
A short circuit to discover a little-known fortified site above Les Baux-de-Provence with an unusual view of the village. The circuit starts with a path that takes you to a plateau above the quarries and ends with good tracks. It offers beautiful panoramic views of the south and east of the Alpilles.
The Gaudre de Valmouriane via La Verdière
This circuit starts in a pine forest in shady valleys. The return journey is along a ridge trail with panoramic views of the village of Les Baux de Provence, the Alpilles and the adjacent valleys to the north and south.
Warning: This hike has been modified from the one I originally described (due to a gate problem preventing access to part of the route). If you downloaded it before it was updated, please make sure you have the correct version.
Around the Combe Brune
A hike in the Ventoux area, on little-used trails and good tracks. The forest offers a wide variety of tree species.
Although this circuit is not physically demanding, it is suitable for experienced hikers as the trails are poorly marked or unmarked. Mont Ventoux is a mountain and caution is advised.
Épaulement de la Frache via Tête de la Grave
The route starts south of Ventoux, at a place called Le Belvédère, and joins the beech forests on the northern slope. It offers beautiful views of the Baronnies, the eastern part of Ventoux and crosses a varied environment: forest, scree, meadows... A short passage on scree on the northern flank may put some people off.
Gaudre du Rougadou and Chemin des Lombards
A short, easy walk in the Alpilles, mainly on tracks. There are some panoramic views on both sides of the valley along this route.
The Mont Gaussier Ladder Trail
This circuit requires attention and caution. You should not be prone to vertigo and should avoid wet weather and strong Mistral winds. If these conditions are met, you can use the fully renovated ladders and a few small secure ledges (handrails). A splendid panorama of the Alpilles, the Luberon, the Ventoux and the surrounding plains will reward you for your efforts.
Les Quatre Cantons in the heart of the Alpilles
A hike on the many trails of the Alpilles. The part of the circuit that follows theGR®6offers vast panoramic views. Away from the busy trails, the route is quite pleasant and allows you to discover some of the hidden aspects of this mountain range.