© SeeProvence.com
© SeeProvence.com
© SeeProvence.com
© SeeProvence.com
Astounding Roman monuments and ancient settlement
Just 1km south of St. Rémy-de-Provence, you can enter a world more than 2,000 years old. Here the Celtic-Ligurians, Greeks and later, the Romans, settled down in a strategic valley and built and rebuilt a town that was known as Glanum.
Until 1921 the ancient settlement was lost, buried under earth and rocks. The major road in les Alpilles went right over it. Only the well-preserved Mausoleum of the Julii and the Triumphal Arch of Glanum were the reminders of this old settlement. These two impressive monuments (known as les Antiques) were an indication of the importance of Glanum.
The mausoleum (of c.30 BC) is believed to have been a memorial, not a tomb, to an important Roman family, once believed that of Caesar. Today, historians are not so certain. The arch was most likely constructed in the days of Emperor Augustus. It was and is the triumphal entrance to the old town of Glanum.
When you cross the street from the arch, you'll see a vast plain of ruins, walls, a lopped-off tower, the pillars of a temple, with the majestic mountains of les Alpilles in the background. This is Glanum, the town that was sacked by Germanic tribes in 270 and then abandoned by its people. Only in 1921 did the first excavations begin, and they continue to this day. The road to St. Rémy that covered the ruins had to be diverted.
Before you enter the ancient town, it's best to spend a little time at the small visitor centre, where you also buy your ticket. There, with the help of models, you can get a sense of what the town must have looked like during its three phases of occupation. The museum also offers insightful guides and displays a number of objects, or casts of them, that have been found on the site. The majority of the precious ones can be seen in the museum Hotel de Sade in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
With plan in hand, you then wander over the vast site of old Glanum. For the most part, you're free to wander about, enter what's left of the temple of Valetudo, goddess of health, discover the bath in a citizen's home, hunt for treasures, such as the inscription on this base.
The site of Glanum is open throughout the year except for public holidays.
Read our Provence markets page to find out which market to visit when in Provence. From the vibrant array of local produce to the delightful scent of freshly baked delicacies, visiting a Provencal market is an absolute must for anyone exploring the charms of Provence.
In Provence, the department of the Var is the place to look for chestnuts. The Var village of Collobrières regards itself as chestnut capital of the world and in late October it's time for the chestnut festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from near and far.
Head to the Avenue de la Rabasse in Richerenches for the famous Saturday truffle markets, which take place from November to March every year.
Uchaux is the venue for this series of summer concerts that celebrates the music of Liszt. Set in the fabulous grounds of Chateau Saint Esteve, the venue could not be more magical or romantic.
An annual agricultural fair, the Foire de la Saint Siffrein is named after the saint who resided in Carpentras during the 7th century. Plenty of local produce is available in the market and the wine fair is one of the largest in the area (and not restricted to wines from Provence).
After your explorations in Glanum, it's worth visiting the asylum where Vincent van Gogh spent one year after the dramatic incident in Arles. The Monastère de St-Paul-de-Mausole is just a short ride from Glanum. Since 1605 it has functioned as a psychiatric hospital, remaining so today.
Since 1989 the association ‘Présence Van Gogh’ has developped an important artistic programme, loyal to the desires of the great Dutch artist who lived in St.Remy de Provence between 1888-1889 who wished that ‘living artists are not unjustly unknown’.
Created in 1919, this museum is located inside a former townhouse, the Hôtel Mistral de Montdragon, which dates from the Renaissance period and is classified as an historical landmark.
Opened in 1991, the Yves Brayer Museum displays a hundred or so canvas paintings, watercolours and drawings representative of the artist's work.
This is one of the best castles we have ever visited, and not just in France! Situated on a rocky outcrop, this fantastic medieval castle has a strong military background, where it was used in the defence of the realm of Provence.
Originally a stone quarry, the Carrieres de Lumieres has been transformed into a backdrop for a stunning audio visual show, where images are projected on to the walls and the floor. Each year a different artist and theme is chosen to lead the display.
Head chef Michel Hulin uses fresh produce from the restaurant's extensive organic kitchen garden, as well as locally grown olive oils.
Situated in Le Chateau des Alpilles Hotel, this restaurant serves modern French recipes with a focus on healthy eating.
Fine regional cuisine by a Michelin-star experienced chef, made only with fresh local produce. Located at the Domaine de Manville Hotel.
Located near the centre of Saint Remy, this restaurant offers a luxury fine dining experience in their elegant dining room or their relaxing terrace. Chef Thibaut Serin Moulin has worked in various Michelin-starred restaurants and now creates imaginative dishes made with fresh produce.
Situated in the Auberge de la Reine Jeanne Hotel, this restaurant offers Provençal and Mediterranean dishes made only with fresh regional ingredients in a menu that is constantly evolving.
Beautifully presented French cuisine awaits you at L'Oustau de Baumanière. The elegant dining room is set in a vaulted stone hall and it opens up on to a terrace for dining during the warmer seasons.
This bar is located in the centre of Saint Remy de Provence. It has a good selection of wines by the glass, as well as bottles and champagne. They even serve charcuterie and cheese plates.
The Domaine de Manville has a renowned architect and landscaper designed 18-hole golf course allying technicality and game attraction in an eco-responsible and respectful way to produce a truly very special course.
This leisure park in the Alpilles located in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence offers entertainment for young and old: fun activities, sports activities and ultimately outdoor activities.
This large natural area envelops 16 small towns and villages between the Luberon and the Camargue, not far from Arles.
From the perched village of Châteauneuf de Gadagne, this gentle family-friendly cycle route goes from the foot of the Colline de Thouzon, round in a loop to the town of Le Thor, via the cool waters of the River Sorgue.
This ride takes us along the banks of the river Sorgue, crossing picturesque bridges and cycling past tranquil orchards. You’ll visit a number of fascinating little villages and take in some wonderful scenery along the way.
This scenic cycle ride goes in a figure of eight, starting and finishing in Velleron, but also visiting Pernes-les-Fontaines to the north and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue to the south.
This 28.5km long route is a journey of discovery through the Ile de l'Oiselay and the vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape.
This fun 20km circuits takes in three short climbs on a scenic route that takes in some of the famous “Perched Villages” of Provence.
The Comtat Venaissin (County of Venaissin), often called the Comtat for short, dates back to the middle ages and was politically significant throughout the 16th and 17th centuries.
A great walk in any season as it gets the sun throughout the day and is sheltered from the sometimes strong, Mistral wind.
Starting in Barbentane, a short 15 minute drive from Avignon, this gentle and easy walk is great for all abilities of walker. WIth a shady tracks and only a 2 hour and 45 minute round trip you can amble along this walk and enjoy the surrouding scenery.
A slightly more challenging hike through the most spectactular gorge in Provence, with its narrow high walls and dark alleyway you can witness the amazing vegetation and plants. A 3 hour and 30 minute walk you can enjoy this popular walking route, recommended during the week when it is likely to be quieter.
Take your time, explore and discover the rich historical heritage and natural surroundings, fashioned by centuries of work which continues to the present day.
The vast numbers of lovely Vineyards in Provence make for great places to go on a walking or hiking tour.
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
This company offers an 8 kilometre canoe trip along the river near Fontaine de Vaucluse.
Located in the heart of the EcoQuartier Beaulieu, Lake Monteux is an open every day of the year. Ideal for the whole family, this area offers a multitude of activities.
This company offers two different types of excursions by kayak or canoe for either an hour and 15 minutes or 3 hours.
If you're looking to try out kitesurfing for the first time, this company can help you get to grips with the basics from professional instruction.
Farmhouse with swimming pool to rent in Provence for your dream holiday, a former 17th century post house in Le Thor, close to L’Isle sur la Sorge.
Authentic Mas with tennis court, pool and an incredible view of the Alpilles for your holidays - Mas des Platanes
This beautiful Provençal farmhouse with swimming pool is located 900 m from the center of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. It’s a quiet and ideal place to spend the holidays discovering the Alpilles and their beautiful landscapes.
Le Mas Malhana is a beautiful ancient stonehouse, perfectly renovated, ideal to spend your holidays in the heart of the Alpilles.
Come and spend your holidays in a quiet haven in the very heart of Provence - Mas Formiga
In the heart of the Alpilles, this recently renovated property will be the ideal setting for you holidays with your family or friends.
Superb bastide in the heart of its private valley for your holidays in the Alpilles. Let yourself be seduced by the charm of this 19th century property!
Farmhouse with swimming pool to rent in Provence for your dream holiday, a former 17th century post house in Le Thor, close to L’Isle sur la Sorge.
Le Mas Malhana is a beautiful ancient stonehouse, perfectly renovated, ideal to spend your holidays in the heart of the Alpilles.
An exceptional location for your next holidays with a view on the Alpilles: Domaine Bellevue
In the heart of the Alpilles, this recently renovated property will be the ideal setting for you holidays with your family or friends.
Authentic Mas with tennis court, pool and an incredible view of the Alpilles for your holidays - Mas des Platanes
Housed inside a beautiful old stone building, this hotel is comfortably furnished and decorated in warm inviting colours.
Offering you a taste of the Provencal lifestyle, with linen sheets, sunrise over the drystone architecture, wildflowers overflowing from vases, the fragrance of fresh baked bread, creamy butter and golden honey, the true taste of fresh products raised on the estate.
La Mirande is a 5 star 'grand dame' luxury hotel that has been decorated with 18th century interiors, period tapestries and chandeliers.
Gorgeous hotel in the centre of the Roman town of Arles. Designed to within an inch of it's life, this 18th century country house has 13 rooms decked out in white billowing fabrics and French country furniture. Think Ibiza-esque.
This 17th century palais in charming Saint Remy de Provence is a historic-meets-contemporary sanctuary for lovers of all things gourmet.
Located just within a 5 minute walk from the town's main square, this small and charming hotel offers traditional Provençal decoration and a gourmet restaurant.
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
Helitec caters for all your helicopter needs from passenger transport to aerial photography, filming, transport of heavy goods, leisure flights over Provence and the South of France. A great way to see the most beautiful spots from the air.
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
Find out all about what is happening in Provence and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this picturesque French region.
See allLatest News & ReviewsProvence has a busy calendar of events all year round featuring art exhibitions, charming markets, cultural festivals and concerts. Spring and autumn are the time to celebrate local produce while during the peak holiday times, in the summer months, you will find world-renowned music and cultural events like the Choregies d'Orange or the Avignon Festival.
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