Great Things to Do Near Les Roches
Enjoying the great outdoors in the Alpilles
The Alpilles natural park, on your doorstep, is great for walking and mountain biking, as well as more adventurous activities such as climbing, quad biking, canyoning and via ferrata. There is a diverse range of landscape within the park and it is an important habitat for many species of flora and fauna.
Avignon
The principal city in the region, Avignon’s historic centre includes a 12th century Romanesque cathedral Notre Dame des Doms and the 14th century Palais des Papes, an immense Gothic building with formidable walls up to 18 feet thick! There are, of course, also many restaurants and cafés, shops, parks and squares to explore.
Les Baux-de-Provence
This gorgeous medieval village, which features on the 'Most Beautiful Villages in France' list, should definitely also be on your sightseeing to-do list! Set on a rocky plateau, there are superb views on a clear day down to Arles and the Camargue. There is some beautiful architecture to see, but also just a lovely atmosphere of an authentic Provencal village with pleasant terrace cafés and art galleries to browse.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
This town in the Rhône Valley is renowned and revered around the world for its quality wines, and you can learn more about winemaking in the area at the Maison Brotte winery and museum.
A stroll and a bite in St Rémy
This popular town is typically Provençal with boulevards lined by plane trees, plenty of cafés and restaurants, and a bustling weekly market. A Roman triumphal arch still stands on the outskirts, and the town itself has a number of historic buildings and chapels.
The Camargue
This unique natural site is worth a day trip. Join a boat trip through the unique Camargue landscape and look out for the resident horses, bulls and birds. Or explore on foot or by bike at the Petit Rhône Reserve.
Carrières de Lumières
This former quarry has been converted into a multimedia centre, where still and moving images are projected onto all the walls and floors, offering a truly immersive experience! There are usually at least two shows to choose from, often exploring and showcasing the work of a visual artist, for example Picasso and Van Gogh in 2018.
Archaeological Site of Glanum
These Roman ruins near Saint-Rémy date back to about 100BC although it is thought there was a native population here from about 500BC. Around 260AD, the town was destroyed by barbarian invasions but the survivors founded a village nearby that was to become Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. The ruins were uncovered in the early 20th century, and include some superb classical architecture.
Estrine Museum and Van Gogh Interpretation Centre
The 18th century Estrine Hotel in St Rémy was built to house the Princes' Judicature headquarters. Nowadays it houses the Estrine Museum, dedicated to Vincent Van Gogh. Visitors can find out about this exceptional artist, who lived in Saint-Rémy for a year, and his influence on 20th and 21st century art. The museum's permanent collection also includes work by other artists such as Bernard Buffet and Albert Gleizes, and there are two or three temporary exhibitions a year.
Local gardens to visit
Garden lovers will no doubt wish to visit 'Les Sentiers de l'Abondance' in Eygalières, landscaped gardens with a focus on aromatic and medicinal plants, and 'Le Jardin d'Alcinoos' in St Rémy, a private botanical garden dotted with artworks and scultures.
Barben Zoo
Near Salon de Provence, this zoo is set in a 33 hectare forest and has over 600 animals of more than 120 different species. Many large mammals, as well as reptile and bird collections. Why not combine with a visit to the Chateau nearby?
Château de la Barben
This medieval fortress with gardens designed by Le Nôtre is situated between Salon de Provence and Aix en Provence. Built in the 11th century on a rocky peak, the chateau was impregnable, and belonged to successive families including royalty. The Château has become the setting for events: heritage days, candlelit tours, medieval banquets and shows. It is also lived in and fully furnished, and can be explored by guided tour by costumed guides. The gardens are open to the public on certain days and include ponds, fountains, statues, and even a 30-metre long underground passage.
Make a splash!
Enjoy a family day out on a hot day at the water park in Monteux. Ride the surf simulator 'Da Wave', cool off in the pools and water slides, and explore the Adventurers' Castle playground.
