Saint-Rémy-de-Provence Travel Guide

Discover the beautiful and culturally rich Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. From museums to natural wonders to local cuisine, plan your perfect trip with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Nestled in Bouches-du-Rhône of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is a charming medieval town rich in culture and history. The town has been home to famous artists and Roman emperors, and today it boasts of museums, historical sites, beautiful landscapes, and a lively local culture. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is a perfect destination for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the local culture and history of France.

List of Places to Visit in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Here are the top attractions to add to your itinerary during your stay in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Musée Estrine: This museum is dedicated to showcasing contemporary art and works of various artists in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.
  • Saint-Paul-de-Mausole Monastery: Famous for being Vincent Van Gogh’s asylum, visitors can tour around the historical site and visit the reproductions of the artist’s works.
  • Archaeological Site of Glanum: This open-air museum showcases ancient Roman ruins and artifacts such as a forum, temples, and a market.

Natural Attractions of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Les Alpilles: A stunning range of limestone hills, characterized by dense vegetation, and dramatic views.
  • Réserve Naturelle des Alpilles: A perfect destination for exploring flora and fauna, enjoy birdwatching, hiking, or cycling through the wilderness.
  • Château Romanin: A beautiful winery within the mountains from which you can admire the remarkable view of Camargue and Luberon.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence offers some of the best hiking and biking routes that provide a chance to explore the fascinating natural landscapes of the town. Don’t miss climbing the Les Alpilles hills or discovering the beautiful sites of Réserve Naturelle des Alpilles.

Best Things to Do in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Activities and Tours

  • Cooking Classes with Amandine Cooking Classes: This experience allows you to participate in cooking a fantastic meal of local dishes with a professional chef.
  • Wine Tasting tour: You can enjoy a fantastic wine tasting experience during the visit to one of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence’s many vineyards.
  • Hot Air Balloon ride: Get an aerial view of the breathtaking landscapes of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence aboard a hot air balloon.

Week-Long Itinerary for Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Here’s a week-long itinerary to get the most out of your trip to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole Monastery and ‘Les Antiques’.
2 Hiking in Les Alpilles hills, followed by a picnic in the reserve
3 Wine tasting tour
4 Visit the Musée Estrine and take a stroll around the old town
5 Take a hot air balloon ride over the town
6 Take a trip to the Camargue National Park and experience its wildlife
7 Relax at a local cafe and enjoy the ambiance of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Food and Drink Scene of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

One of the best things about visiting Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is the delectable local cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Daube Provençale: A classic beef stew cooked with red wine and herbs
  • Salade Niçoise: A light, fresh salad with tuna, anchovies, and hard-boiled eggs
  • Ratatouille: A vegetable dish with eggplant, zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes

Local Beverages

  • Cotes du Rhone: A well-known local wine
  • Pastis: An aniseed flavored drink, very popular in the south of France

Where to Stay in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses. Some of these options include:

  • Hotel de Tourrel: A luxurious hotel located within the old town with charming rooms, comfortable ambiance, and a beautiful terrace.
  • Mas Valentine Hotel: A family-run hotel that offers visitors a chance to enjoy warm hospitality and a tranquil environment.
  • Le Mas de Valrugues Spa Hotel: A stunning hotel that boasts of spa facilities, a pool, and a beautiful garden for guests to relax in.

What to Buy in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Take home a piece of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence by shopping for items such as:

  • Santons: Traditional clay figurines that represent religious characters.
  • Lavender products: The town is known for its production of lavender in the region, which is used to make soap, scented candles, and other bath products.
  • Olive oil: Another typical product from Provence, the region offers many high-quality brands of olive oil, which make perfect gifts for friends and family.

Local Culture and Customs of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence retains its traditional values and customs, and visitors can experience the following cultural practices:

  • Bullfights: A traditional practice in the region, where an unarmed man faces a bull in a square.
  • Fetes: The town is known for its summer festivals, where locals engage in traditional music, dances, and food.

Best Time to Visit Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

The best time to visit Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is from April to October when the weather is pleasant, and the town is bustling with outdoor activities, festivals, and events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Try the local cuisine and wine.
  • Take a hike on a trail.

Don’t:

  • Smoke in public places.
  • Wear inappropriate clothing within sacred places of worship.
  • Disrespect the local wildlife.

Safety and Health

Safety in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is generally a safe town, but it is essential to take some precautions such as:

  • Always lock your car and hotel rooms.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings while on hikes.

Health in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

There are several health facilities available in the town, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. However, travelers should have travel insurance in the case of emergencies.

Getting to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

The nearest airport to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is the Avignon-Provence Airport, located around 20 km away. Other airports, such as Marseille International Airport, are also easily accessible.

Bus Stations Near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

There are several buses that operate either direct or via transfers to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence from major towns and cities.

Other Options

Driving is another option for accessing Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. It is easy to rent a car in nearby towns and cities.

How to Get Around in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

The best way to get around Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is either on foot or by renting a bike. In case one is unable to walk or bike, public transport or taxis are available within the town.

Where to Go Next from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is a great starting point for exploring the beautiful areas around it. Some of the nearby attractions to consider visiting are:

  • The Pont du Gard: A UNESCO World Heritage Site located within an hour’s drive from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
  • Montpellier: The lively student’s city can be reached within an hour’s drive or using the train from nearby cities.

Conclusion

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is undoubtedly a small town with immense cultural and natural resources. From its history and delicious cuisine to the great outdoor activities, there is always something to do or see. Planning your trip with this comprehensive guide ensures that you get to experience the best of what Saint-Rémy-de-Provence has to offer.