Eyragues combines Provençal cultural heritage with garden trails and routes whose distances can be planned precisely. The Chemin de la Transhumance is 13 kilometres long, takes about three hours and has an elevation gain of 100 metres. It can be explored on foot or by mountain bike; along the route, there are views of the Alpilles, Mont Ventoux and the Luberon. This means you can choose a route with both an approximate duration and specific landscape features in mind.
Walking and cycling routes
The “Entre agriculture, tradition et patrimoine” cycling loop is 21 or 23 kilometres long and passes through Eyragues, Châteaurenard and Maillane. Compared with the Chemin de la Transhumance, it is the longer route and is designated as a cycling route. The two routes can be distinguished by their length and mode of travel: the Chemin is intended for both walking and mountain biking. As municipal information about the Chemin may be updated, check the latest route guidance before setting off.
Garden trails and plants
The Parc des Poètes has a short walking trail among numerous Mediterranean plant species. Bambous en Provence offers something different: this 4.3-hectare garden contains a collection of 250 bamboo species. A one-kilometre nature trail leads through a plant tunnel and bamboo groves; the garden also has water features for lotus flowers and water lilies. The two places therefore differ both in trail length and in the plant life described.
The Allée des Félibres is also in the Parc des Poètes, at the southern entrance. It honours seven poets of the Félibrige: Frédéric Mistral with a statue, and Joseph Roumanille, Théodore Aubanel, Jean Brunet, Anselme Mathieu, Paul Giéra and Alphonse Tavan with busts. QR codes beneath each bust provide information about the poets in French, English and Provençal. The path through the park thus brings together plants and a specific insight into the Provençal literary tradition.
Museum and architectural history
The Musée Témoignage et Patrimoine d’Eyragues is housed in the La Bastide building in the Parc des Poètes and offers an exhibition space open to the public. Its collections include rare books of Provençal literature and encyclopaedias. The costume collection offers another perspective: it features Arlésienne dress from the 18th century to the present day, including ribbons and lace. The books and clothing thus provide different insights into the museum’s cultural collections.
The Église Saint-Maxime is a Romanesque church dating from the 12th century. It has been remodelled several times and is listed in the register of historic monuments. The Chapelle de Notre-Dame-du-Pieux-Zèle dates back to the early Romanesque period of the 11th century. Remains of early Christian sarcophagi can still be found in its shaded garden. Their different dates and the surviving remains highlight distinct aspects of the area’s architectural and local history.
Traditions throughout the year
Saint-Eloi is celebrated at the end of June with the caretto ramado. A plant-decorated cart is pulled by dozens of draught horses and led by a pair of Prieurs. Another tradition is the annual horse fair organised by Attelage Eyraguais, held on the first Sunday in March. The Comité des Fêtes also organises, among other events, the Saint-Symphorien festival. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these festivals, check the dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Victoret, Eguilles, Charleval, Aubagne, Port-Saint-Louis-Du-Rhône, Aureille, Saliers, Roquevaire
For the wider travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.
