The Lumières of the Alpilles

With its geographical and cultural diversity, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region has a wide variety of lands that have influenced its culinary heritage, rich in colors, smells and flavors, deeply rooted in tradition yet resolutely forward-looking.

What a pleasure to sip a pastis, nibble on olives, taste some tapenade on lightly toasted bread, be tempted by a bouillabaisse, succumb to some nougats, calissons and fruit jellies!

But what an unforgettable experience is to learn the secret of making these sweets, to be introduced to the world of Provencal aperitifs, to visit French vineyards in region SUD, to learn the history of an old olive oil mill or to take a Mediterranean style cooking class!

What a pleasure to sip a pastis, nibble on olives, taste some tapenade on lightly toasted bread, be tempted by a bouillabaisse, succumb to some nougats, calissons and fruit jellies!

Van Gogh was fascinated by the warm and colourful hues of Provence. Fabrics, olive oils and the Château des Baux-de-Provence have been brought together around this theme at the immersive digital exhibition at the Carrières de Lumières.

1 day

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When is the best time to enjoy the Lumières of the Alpilles?
All year round, but please note that the Carrières de Lumières is closed from early January to early March.

1 – Saint-Étienne-du-Grès

OLIVADES

The trip begins with a tour of Les Olivades. Fabric printing arrived in Marseille with the East India Company. In the 19th century, Les Olivades prospered and declined before experiencing a revival after the Second World War, with a new craze for Provençal fabrics. Today the company also uses new technologies and offers contemporary collections along with more traditional fabrics, all of which can be found in the shop.

Saint-Étienne-du-Grès > Maussane-les-Alpilles : 15 km

2 – Maussane-les-Alpilles

MOULIN JEAN-MARIE CORNILLE

We then move on to discover the emblematic production of Les Baux-de-Provence, olive oil, with a visit to the Moulin Jean-Marie Cornille. The typical olive oils of the valley are produced by blending five olive varieties from a single terroir (the Salonenque, Grossane, Béruguette or Aglandau, Verdale Bouches-du-Rhône and Picholine). The visit includes a tour of the production area, explanations of the different stages involved in producing this local “liquid gold” from harvest to bottling, as well as a tasting of the different oils. Three Appellations d’Origine Protégée (protected designations of origin) have been awarded to the valley of Les Baux-de-Provence: for olive oil, broken olives and black olives.

Maussane-les-Alpilles > Les Baux-de-Provence : 5 km

Suggestion for lunch: La Reine Jeanne restaurant known for its panoramic views, terrace, warm welcome and Provençal aioli.

3 – Les Baux-de-Provence

CHÂTEAU DES BAUX-DE-PROVENCE

Château des Baux-de-Provence, a site which has been inhabited since prehistoric times, offers exceptional panoramic views of the valley of Les Baux-de-Provence as well as interesting architectural elements including a Saracen tower, castle chapel and cave houses.

4 – Les Baux-de-Provence

CARRIÈRES DE LUMIÈRES

We make one last stop to see the exhibition in the old quarry at Les Grands Fonds, closed in 1935 and used by Jean Cocteau to shoot his film “The Testament of Orpheus” in 1959. Since then, the immense walls have become the backdrop for music, art and light. The Carrières de Lumières, a digital art centre, showcases the most famous artists across 7000 m2: Monet, Renoir and Chagall, Klimt, Michelangelo, Picasso and Van Gogh.