Lamanon can be explored through very different historical landmarks: the troglodytic site of Calès, religious architectural history and a Provençal country house. There are also two hikes of different lengths. This gives you the opportunity to balance culture and outdoor activity during your stay, without conflating the individual sights and trails.
Calès: Cave Site and Access
The Calès site includes 58 of the 116 troglodytic caves recorded there. The caves were later used as living quarters for up to 220 people. The site has been classified since February 26, 1918. Some paths and troglodytic dwellings are closed for safety reasons, so check access conditions before your visit. Access to the caves was improved in 2021. Since the most recent enhancement phase, Calès can be explored via two visitor circuits.
A green-marked trail leads through the Cirque de Calès and begins 100 meters behind the village church. Access to the Cirque is via the Calade, a stone path, and through a fortified enclosure on the north and south sides. These details describe different points of reference at the site; the closures mentioned above remain important when planning your visit.
Religious History and the Musée de Calès
The Saint-Denis Chapel in Lamanon was built on the site of an older place of worship dating from the 6th century and dedicated to Saint Marcellin. This is distinct from the Church of Saint-Denis de Calès: it was built in the 12th century, expanded and restored in the 14th century, and restored several more times over the centuries. It is regarded as the only surviving intact evidence of settlement at the troglodytic site of Calès.
The Musée de Calès is housed in the Cabaret, a former private mansion. The first ground-floor room focuses on archaeology, explains the troglodytic layout of Calès and displays pottery found there. The second room features archaeological material and an exhibition. Another exhibition focuses on the extraction, processing and export of pine resin. The museum therefore highlights both archaeological finds and the cave site, as well as the processing of a raw material.
The Bastide, Park and Géant de Provence
The Château de Lamanon is a 17th-century Provençal country house. Its architecture and tree-filled park date from 1660; the park is irrigated by the Canal de Craponne-Boisgelin. The building and park thus bring together two specific aspects of the estate: its date and the water supply for its green space.
Another striking natural landmark is Le Géant de Provence, a plane tree about 300 years old. The tree is 53 meters tall and has a circumference of 8 meters. It is considered a natural monument of artistic character and is listed among the “Arbres remarquables de France.” Le Géant stands on private property and can be seen from the road at the intersection of D23 and Grand Rue in Lamanon.
Two Hikes of Different Lengths
The moderate circular route “LAMANON – Autour de Calès” is 13.6 kilometers long and takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. It combines historical remains, wooded areas and sweeping views of the Alpilles. The start and finish are at Parking des Sources, about 500 meters from the town center. The route is accessible by ZOU public transport and by TER trains via Cavaillon. Check route and transport information again before you travel.
The “Vignoble Grottes de Calès” hike is 10 kilometers long. It starts at Domaine Bois Redon in Lamanon and leads to the medieval troglodytic site of Calès. There is a seasonal opportunity to taste local wines in the vineyards. At 10 kilometers, this hike is shorter; the 13.6-kilometer circular route is listed as taking about 2 hours and 30 minutes. The starting points are different, so each hike should be planned separately. Wine tasting is seasonal; check availability in advance.
If you are looking for a hotel in Lamanon, you can choose your focus based on whether you mainly want to explore Calès and its architectural history or include one of the hikes in your plans.
Discover more destinations: Mas-Blanc-Des-Alpilles, Miramas, Peyrolles-En-Provence, Puyloubier, Les-Pennes-Mirabeau, La Roque-D'anthéron, Maussane Les Alpilles, Barbentane.
For the broader travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.
