From the elevated old village of Eygalières, the view stretches from east to west across Mont Ventoux, the plains of the Comtat, the Rhône Valley and the Cévennes. The commune lies entirely within the Alpilles Regional Nature Park. The village’s history and its trails through the landscape offer different ways to discover this place—from a stroll through the old lanes to a signposted circular hike.
Hiking Trails and the Alpilles Landscape
La Routo: le Gros Calan is a moderately difficult circular hike covering 10.1 kilometres; the walking time is about three hours. The starting and finishing point is the car park at the junction of the D24 and D25, southwest of Eygalières. The route is marked with GR® and PR signs. Along the way, it leads to a viewpoint on the 446-metre-high Crête des Civadières. From there, you can see the Alpilles massif, the Petit Luberon and Mont Ventoux. The distance, approximate duration and circular route provide practical guidance for planning this day of hiking.
Gros Calan itself also tells a story about the landscape: its limestone formed around 160 million years ago in a shallow sea. The open habitats along the route are a hunting ground for the endangered Egyptian vulture. This does not guarantee that you will see the bird, but the importance of these open habitats is part of the natural character of this hike. The Arboretum de Badon offers another perspective, with around sixty trees and numerous shrubs representing the floristic diversity of the garrigue.
Another option is the Balade du Petit Calan. It starts and ends at the stadium car park in Eygalières and is marked as a GR® route. The route is accessible by public transport: take ZOU! line 706 to the “Général de Gaulle” stop. Check the timetable before travelling. For hikes, you should also check current trail conditions and the rules in force regarding wildfire risk. Access to natural areas is regulated by a prefectural order from 1 June to 30 September because of wildfire risk; official conditions may change seasonally.
Old Village, Chapels and Architectural History
A stroll through the old village passes centuries-old houses with carved doors. The Tour de l’Horloge was built between 1662 and 1672 using stones from the ruins of the old feudal castle. The Ancienne Église Saint-Laurent is also a testament to the village’s history: the Romanesque church was built in the early 12th century on the northern fortification wall. The renovated Vieille Église Saint-Laurent now serves as a venue for numerous artistic and cultural events.
The 12th-century Romanesque Chapelle Saint-Sixte stands on a rocky outcrop about two kilometres from the village. A footpath connects the old village to the chapel, avoiding the road; check local conditions before your visit. Its 17th-century features include the projecting portico, the hermitage and an enclosed garden. Every year on the Tuesday morning after Easter, a “Roumavage,” or pilgrimage, goes from the parish church to the Chapelle Saint-Sixte. Confirm the exact date of the procession locally before your trip.
The Musée Maurice Pezet is housed in the restored 16th-century Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs. It displays objects excavated locally from the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods. Admission is free, and guided tours are available on request. Seasonal access information may change, so check before visiting.
Weekly Market and Annual Festivals
The weekly market takes place on Friday mornings in the town centre. As market times may change seasonally or during special events, it is a good idea to check the latest information. The Foire de la Sainte-Thérèse is part of the annual calendar: it takes place on the first Sunday in October and features participants in costume and demonstrations of traditional crafts. Along with the churches, museum and village architecture, it offers a cultural itinerary that can be explored independently of the longer hike.
Discover more destinations: Aigues-Mortes, Velaux, La Fare-Les-Oliviers, Port Camargue, Alleins, Fuveau, Moulès, Eyguières.
Return to the broader travel guide: Bouches Du Rhone.
