The massif of Alpilles

The use of the name Alpilles

With the development of the Baux's family, the old name for this area was "la montagne des Baux". On the Cassini maps, it is the mention "Territoire des Baux" that covers the area. The term "Alpilles" appears above all as an allusion to "small Alps", even if the implication of pastures (Alps) hardly seems to correspond to the reality of the summits of these elevations. At the same time, the term "Alpines" is sometimes used, as in the case of the canal des Alpines in Barbentane. It is between the 19th and 20th centuries that the difference between the two terms, which in any case coexist, is identified. It seems that "Alpines" is identified as the mountain range, while "Alpilles" is used to designate the summit of the massif.

The massif

Situated near the north-northwest of the former first capital of Provence, Arles, the Alpilles form a massif which culminates at 496 metres in altitude. It extends mainly from west to east across the north of the Bouches-du-Rhône, covering almost 50,000 hectares and sixteen communes.

Since 13 July 2006, the local authorities have been associated within the Alpilles Regional Nature Park.

Water management is essential for the future. It is true that the Alpilles Regional Nature Park is strewn with numerous streams, but these streams are generally dry in the summer and have a low flow in winter. Also, all around the massif, there are almost a dozen canals: the Canal de Craponne, de Monestier, des Alpilles, de Saint-Andiol, de Viguièrat, etc.

Note that the streams of the massif are called "gaudres", which is simply a small stream in Provençal. Among them are the gaudre d'Aureille, which runs through the villages of Aureille, Eyguières and Mouriès, the gaudre d'Entreconque in Baux-de-Provence, and the gaudre du Trible in the commune of Maussane.

The Alpilles massif has a diversified geology. It is identified in particular by its sedimentary rocks, including limestone, sandstone and bauxite.

The Alpilles and the artists

When talking about the Artists of the Alpilles, Van Gogh is never far away. The artist arrived in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence on 8 May 1889 after a violent crisis in which he cut off his earlobe. Coming from Arles, the capital of Provence at the time, he voluntarily committed himself to the Saint-Paul de Mausole hospital where he stayed for a whole year.

The Carrière de Lumière in Les Baux de Provence offers an exceptional show (for a fee) and a relatively innovative relationship with art and artists.

Real estate in the Alpilles

The Alpilles massif has a booming property market. From charming hotels to large properties, the Alpilles is an integral part of the Provencal style. The architectural style is similar to that of the Luberon with the use of slightly lighter dry stone.