Hiking trails in the Alpilles, a Romanesque chapel and a pilgrimage tradition dating back to 1420: Saint-Étienne-du-Grès brings nature and cultural heritage together in a compact area. To choose where to stay, consider which trails, customs and historic sites match your interests.
Hiking, cycling and trails in the Alpilles
In the massif and on local trails, you can hike, go horseback riding and cycle. One specific hiking option is the “La grande pinède des Alpilles” loop: it is 13.6 kilometres long, rated moderate, takes four hours and has 450 metres of elevation gain. The route follows ridge paths and passes through valleys, pine forests and olive groves before reaching the Notre-Dame-du-Château chapel. Before setting out, check trail conditions and the rules currently in force for access to the forest.
There is also a named cycling route: the climb towards Les Baux is part of cycling tourism from the village. If you are interested in the views and landscape, the Notre-Dame-du-Château viewpoint offers a panorama of a forested area of the Alpilles. Information panels there cover the extensive pine forest landscape and activities that shape the area, such as forestry, grazing and nature tourism.
The season may also be a factor in your plans: the short-toed snake eagle can be spotted above the valleys around Notre-Dame-du-Château from March to September. When planning a hike, therefore, consider the season and your interests as well as the trail length.
Chapels, pilgrimage and historic sites
The Romanesque Notre-Dame-du-Château chapel dates from the 12th century. The first documented pilgrimage there dates to 1420; the brotherhood of the Priors of Notre-Dame-du-Château continues the tradition to this day. The local pilgrimage takes place on the last Sunday in May. Check the date for the year in question before travelling.
Another chapel is Saint-Thomas, a private Templar chapel that can be visited by appointment. Arrange your visit in advance. Not every historic building is accessible: Le Grand Mas is a Renaissance building listed in the inventory of historic monuments, but it cannot be visited. The Oratoire Notre-Dame du Château stands on the path to the chapel of the same name and has been listed as a historic monument since 1937. Another 16th-century oratory is located on the Canal des Alpines; it was classified as a historic monument by decree dated 7 November 1922. It is advisable to check access arrangements in the area in advance.
Festivals, market and crafts
The Fête de Saint-Éloi centres on Provençal customs: this rural ritual, passed down through generations, involves the Provençal language, traditional clothing and draft horses. The festival is held on the second Sunday in August and lasts four days. Its Sunday highlight is the “carreto ramado” procession. Check the programme for the year of your trip. Abrivado, Bandido, Encierro and Cabestria also bring Saint-Étienne-du-Grès to life regularly throughout the summer; here, too, it is worth checking the current year's programme.
The André Vidau producers' market was established in April 1935. It takes place year-round on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons; check the date before your visit. Olivades offers another glimpse of local craftsmanship: in a workshop established in 1818, the traditional art of fabric printing is practised and adapted to modern life and needs. Olivades offers a factory tour and factory outlet. Check visit and opening arrangements in advance.
Getting there and planning your stay
Two bus routes operated by the Régie Départementale des transports (RDT 13) serve Saint-Étienne-du-Grès. Routes and timetables may change, so check with the operator before travelling. You can use these details to bring together some practical points for planning: the marked hike, which takes four hours; the seasonal opportunity to spot the short-toed snake eagle; and the dates of the pilgrimage, market and festivals. Which of these fit your stay depends on when you visit and on your interests. If you plan to visit the private chapel or the Olivades workshop, check the arrangements directly in advance.
Discover more destinations: Belcodène, Noves, Auriol, Senas, Plan-De-Cuques, Saint-Savournin, Meyrargues, Istres.
Back to the main travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.
