Around Provence

Provence is rich in history and culture with sights and activities shaped by the region’s Roman past, legacy of Van Gogh, and incredible natural beauty. 

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is one of the most charming towns in southern France. Known for its sun-filled squares, lively weekly markets, and café-lined streets, the town blends centuries of history with the relaxed pace of Provençal life. The surrounding landscapes famously inspired Vincent van Gogh, who painted some of his most celebrated works while living just outside the village.

Nearby Arles is home to remarkable Roman monuments, including its ancient amphitheater, while the beautifully preserved ruins of Glanum sit just outside town. A short drive away, Avignon, once the seat of the papacy, offers grand architecture, lively squares, and the historic Pont d’Avignon along the Rhône.

Saint-Rémy also serves as an ideal base for exploring the surrounding countryside. The hill towns of Les Baux-de-Provence and Eygalières are only minutes away, and the famed vineyards and olive groves of the Alpilles produce some of the region’s most celebrated wines and oils. For those extending their travels, the Côte d’Azur is just a roadtrip away, offering the sparkling Mediterranean and the glamour of the French Riviera.

Activities

  • Saint‑Paul‑de‑Mausole Monastery (Saint-Rémy): Asylum / Monastery where Van Gogh lived and painted The Starry Night, with gardens and his recreated room

  • Château des Baux (Saint-Remy): 10th-century medieval fortress perched atop a rocky plateau, offering stunning panoramic views of the Alpilles/Camargue region

  • Van Gogh Walking Trail (Saint-Rémy): Easy loop linking reproductions to the exact landscapes he painted around town as well as Musée Estrine (focused stop to understand his Saint‑Rémy period)

  • Art Galleries (Saint-Remy): Explore the local art scene with a number of galleries and exhibition spaces around town to both view artworks and potentially take some home with you

  • Palais des Papes (Avignon): Landmark Gothic papal palace and UNESCO World Heritage site

  • Pont d’Avignon (Avignon): Iconic “half-bridge” on the Rhône with postcard river and city views

  • Roman Ruin Walk (Arles): Compact circuit through the Amphitheatre, Ancient Theatre, Cryptoportiques, and Alyscamps, plus other UNESCO-listed sites nearby

  • Feria du Riz (Arles): The town of Arles will be in the midst of its annual three-day street festival celebrating the rice harvest and the close of bullfighting season. Festivities will include bullfighting, pop-up bars, food markets, parades, and street music. Be mindful of crowds and traffic when planning visits any visits to the event, and leave plenty of time to return.

  • Pont du Gard (near Remoulins): Monumental Roman aqueduct bridge; an easy, high-impact half-day trip from Saint-Remy  

Dining

  • Bar Tabac des Alpilles: The beating heart of Saint-Remy, a classic, unpretentious Provençal brasserie (part café/tabac, part neighborhood dining room) that’s long been a local institution, hosting morning coffee, lively lunches, and relaxed dinners.

  • L'Auberge de Saint-Rémy (Fine Dining): Market-fresh Provençal/Mediterranean cuisine highlighting Alpilles ingredients, and a warm, “family home” feel with contemporary designer decor.

  • La Table de Tourrel (Fine Dining): Refined Mediterranean cooking rooted in local terroir (regional fish and meats) by Chef Thomas Cavasin, served in an intimate, convivial style with an open-kitchen feel and a communal table d’hôtes option.

  • Crêperie Lou Planet: A cozy, no-fuss crêperie for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal.

  • Le Bistrot de Saint Remy: Offers traditional cuisine in a casual, colorful atmosphere. Great for a straightforward, unfussy lunch or dinner with a welcoming, local vibe.

  • L'Oustau de Baumanière (Fine Dining): Creative, highly refined Mediterranean/Provençal cuisine with a strong focus on local/organic produce and fire-driven cooking set in a spectacular rocky Alpilles landscape with unhurried, polished service