REGIONAL PARKS
The Luberon, the Alpilles and the Camargue will enchant you with their colourful natural sites, rich flora and fauna, charming hilltop villages and breathtaking views. Welcome to the heart of Provence...
THE CAMARGUE
(40 minutes from Salon de Provence)
A territory at the confluence of the Gard and the Bouches du Rhône, the Languedoc and Provence, the Rhône and the Mediterranean. To the south of Arles, in the Rhône delta, the Camargue covers an area of 150,000 hectares between sky, land and sea. Covered with ponds and lagoons, it is a land of breeding horses and bulls that live in freedom in the middle of pink flamingos and hundreds of other animal species. Discover the gardian culture and its traditions, its towns with an exceptionally rich historical past, walks or horse rides between the sea and the ponds,
tourist route, water sports or lazing on the beach, you will be spoilt for choice!
Tourist Office of the Camargue
Our suggestions for visits
​The ornithological park of Pont de Gau
The ornithological park of Pont de Gau, here is a nice opportunity for a walk and at the same time to take advantage of the beauties offered by the world of birds in freedom, all year round.
On 60 hectares of ponds, marshes, lawns, reed beds... the ornithological park of Pont de Gau offers its
observatories and footpaths accessible to pushchairs and wheelchairs, to get up close to most of the bird species of Camargue.
There are several circuits to choose from, up to 7 km.
Among the species usually on the site: pink flamingos (hundreds), herons, storks
herons, storks, egrets, teals, birds of prey, etc.
Upon reservation, an ornithologist guides small groups.
Open every day of the year, except 25 December.
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More info
Camargue towns not to be missed:
Les Saintes-Maries de la Mer: capital of the Camargue, seaside resort and place of pilgrimage
Saint-Gilles: a historic town with ancient origins
Le Grau-du-Roi: a seaside resort
Saint-Martin de Crau : a town in the countryside, with a unique Provencal landscape, the Crau, the last protected steppe in Europe
Aigues-Mortes: an unreal city set in the middle of marshes and lagoons
Arles: a city of art and history at the gateway to the Camargue
ALPILLES
(35 minutes from Salon de Provence)
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An enchanting natural site located in the north west of the Bouches du Rhône department, in Provence.
This chain of limestone hills culminates at 498 m and offers a panorama that stretches from Mont
Ventoux to the Cévennes, from the Sainte Victoire mountain to the Camargue. Not to be missed: the
citadel of Les Baux de Provence and the Carrière de Lumières, the sites of Glanum and the Antiques at
Saint-Rémy de Provence, Fontvieille, famous for its Daudet mill... and many other villages with
authentic charm.
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Alpilles en Provence Intercommunal Tourist Office
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Our suggestions for visits
The Chateau of Baux-de-Provence
Overlooking the village and perched on the upper part of the rock, the Château des Baux site covers more than 5 hectares: it is one of the most extraordinary places in France, protected as a Historic Monument.
You will discover the main remains of the castle's tumultuous past. The visitor discovers
in 24 illustrations the Castle as it was in the Middle Ages. The illustrations bring the various buildings back to life. 27 panels explaining the local history and geography punctuate the visit.
Opening hours: All year round, every day.
January / February / November / December: 10am - 5pm.
April / May / June / September: 9am - 7pm.
July & August: 9am - 7.30pm.
Last entry 1 hour before closing time.
More info
Cities in the Alpilles not to be missed:
Saint Martin de Crau: a town in the countryside
Barbentane: a medieval village between Avignon and Alpilles
Maussanne-les-Alpilles: the village of the four seasons
Les Baux de Provence : an open-air museum in the heart of the Alpilles
Saint-Rémy de Provence : here, the art of living is an institution
Mouriès : the first olive-growing village in France
Eygalières : the most beautiful village in the Alpilles
Tarascon : source of history and legends
THE LUBERON
(55 minutes from Salon de Provence)
Whether they are small or large, perched or located on the plain, the villages and hamlets are all excuses to enjoy the pretexts to taste the quietness of the Provencal life. Around the fountains, in the shade of the plane trees in the picturesque, narrow and winding streets and on the hot cobblestones of the village squares, each of them has its own unique heritage and architecture.
Created in 1977, the Luberon Regional Natural Park is located in the heart of the Provence-Alpes- Côte d'Azur region. It covers natural sites as well as picturesque villages and monuments that bear witness to the region's past.
Luberon Tourist Office
Our suggestions for visits
Colorado Provençal
Flamboyant walk in the Colorado Provençal.
Go for a hike and admire the breathtaking view of the ochre to red-orange shades that the park bears. At the end of the path, the grandeur of the open-air site opens its arms to you with a palette of 20 shades of ochre. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Rustrel lived to the rhythm of the iron industry and then the ochre industry from 1871.
This activity has shaped the site over nearly 4 km.
You will immediately be struck by the beauty of this landscape of the American West, full of reliefs: fairies, cliffs, peaks and promontories. At times, the landscape is lunar...
Magical and atypical, it is regularly used as a film set.
Budget: From 5 to 12 euros
Parking: Paying
More info
Cities in Luberon not to be missed :
Gordes: is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France.
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Roussillon: world famous for its rich ochre.
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Lourmarin: and its famous castle, protected by the Massif du Luberon.
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Cavaillon: Capital of the melon, located in the Durance valley. The Colline Saint-Jacques is one of the hills surrounding the town.
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Fontaine de Vaucluse : The Fountain of Vaucluse.
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L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue : Famous for its antique shops and canals, it is one of the most beautiful villages in the region.
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Saignon : The village is known for its "Rocher" which overlooks it.
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Manosque : The most populated town in the Luberon.
It is also one of the oldest and has a wealth of architectural treasures in its centre.