Mas-Blanc-des-Alpilles can be explored through two distinct themes: historic architecture and outdoor activities. Its history includes the Saint Lambert Chapel and two partially protected estates; cycling and walking routes, along with sports and picnic facilities, provide further options to help plan your stay.
Château de Mas Blanc and Mas Vaillen
The main construction phase of Château de Mas Blanc dates to the second half of the 18th century. The estate is partially protected as a historic monument. The decree of 27 July 1978 covers the façades and roofs, the wrought-iron gateway, and the vestibule and staircase with its wrought-iron railing. The château is privately owned.
Mas Vaillen is a country house built as a unified whole in the late 18th century. The estate includes a small boxwood garden and a ground-floor salon furnished with panoramic wallpaper dating from 1818. Partial monument protection was granted by decree on 27 November 1995. Among other things, it covers the wallpaper in the salon and in the two upstairs rooms, the façades and roofs of the outbuildings and annex buildings, and the boxwood garden with its gates and boundary walls. Mas Vaillen is also privately owned.
Saint Lambert Chapel: Location and Access
The Saint Lambert Chapel is located near the cemetery in the commune of Mas-Blanc-des-Alpilles, at the end of an unpaved path on a rise 40 metres above the plain. It was probably built in the 10th century. The chapel is open to the public by prior arrangement with the parish priest of Tarascon. Be sure to arrange your visit in advance.
The Canal des Alpines
The Canal des Alpines is a structure dating back about three centuries. Stretching 120 kilometres, it carries water from the Durance and irrigates agricultural land in the Alpilles. Its two branches run from Lamanon–Mallemort to Saint-Étienne-du-Grès and from Noves to Arles.
Access restrictions are important when planning a visit: the banks of the Canal des Alpines are privately owned and are not open to the public for safety reasons. Prior permission is required to travel along the watercourse. Check the applicable rules in advance if your plans involve the watercourse.
Cycling Routes, Exercise and Walking
The City Stade is located in the north of the commune, on the cycling route between Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Saint-Étienne-du-Grès. It offers outdoor sports facilities, views across the plain and the Montagnette, picnic facilities, and a boules court.
A 700-metre stretch of the La Méditerranée à vélo cycling route in Mas-Blanc has picnic tables, a water point, benches, a children's playground, a boules court and sports facilities. As facilities along a route may change, check the latest information before making plans.
The Chemin de Rousty is suitable for a walk to a former Roman road that once connected Saint-Étienne-du-Grès and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. This historic link is the destination of the walk; no walking time is provided.
FĂŞte de la Saint Lambert
The FĂŞte de la Saint Lambert takes place over three days on the last weekend of August. The programme includes Camargue races, boules competitions, a large aioli meal and folk dancing. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the specific dates and programme for the year in question.
Discover more destinations: Raphèle-Les-Arles, Saint-Paul-Lès-Durance, La Bouilladisse, Saint-Antonin-Sur-Bayon, Maillane, Les Milles, Meyreuil, Graveson.
For the wider travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.
