Alpilles and Montagne Sainte-Victoire
Through the olive groves of the Alpilles, from Van Gogh’s Saint-Rémy to Les Baux and Montmajour, then east to Cézanne’s mountain and Aix.
- Distance
- 144 km (90 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 60 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 7
- Countries
- France
- Updated
- August 2, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 144 km (90 mi) with 7 stops, from Avignon to Aix-en-Provence. About 1 h 60 min of driving in total.
More road trips in France · More road trips from Avignon
Route description
From Avignon it is 20 km south to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a market town with plane-tree boulevards; the Wednesday market is the busiest. Just south of the centre lie the Roman arch and mausoleum known as Les Antiques, the ruins of Glanum, and the asylum of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, where Van Gogh painted many of his best-known works in 1889 and 1890.
The D5 climbs through the Alpilles to Les Baux-de-Provence, a village and ruined castle on a limestone spur. All parking is paid and fills quickly, so come early or late. The quarries below the village house a digital art show. Olive oil mills in Maussane and Fontvieille sell the local oil, which has its own protected name.
Descend towards Arles on the D17 to Montmajour Abbey, a fortified monastery on a hill that Van Gogh drew many times. Climb the tower for the view over the old marshes, then take the motorway via Salon-de-Provence east to Aix-en-Provence, about 80 km. Aix makes a good base, with the Cours Mirabeau and Cézanne’s studio.
The Montagne Sainte-Victoire rises 15 km east of Aix. The D10 runs along its north side past the Bimont dam, where marked trails climb towards the ridge and the Croix de Provence. The southern D17 passes Le Tholonet with views of the cliffs. In summer access to the massif may be closed when fire risk is high; check the daily map before walking.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Avignon
France - 222 km
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
France - 32 km
Glanum
HistorySaint-Rémy-de-Provence, FranceThe ruins of a Greek and Roman town at the foot of the Alpilles, with a triumphal arch and mausoleum across the road. The asylum where Van Gogh stayed is next door.
- 46 km
Les Baux-de-Provence
HistoryLes Baux-de-Provence, FranceA village and ruined castle on a limestone spur of the Alpilles, with views to the Camargue. All parking is paid and fills quickly; come early in the day or in the evening.
- 514 km
Montmajour Abbey
HistoryArles, FranceA fortified Benedictine abbey on a rocky hill north of Arles, often drawn by Van Gogh. The tower gives a wide view over the old marshes; it is rarely crowded.
- 691 km
Montagne Sainte-Victoire and Bimont dam
NatureSaint-Marc-Jaumegarde, FranceThe limestone ridge Cézanne painted many times, reached from the car park at the Bimont dam. Access to the massif is restricted in summer when fire risk is high; check the daily map.
- 79 km
Aix-en-Provence
France
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Avignon → Montmajour Abbey · 44 km · 0 h 37 minOn the way: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Glanum, Les Baux-de-Provence.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Huttopia (5 km); Les Manades (7 km).
- Day 2: Montmajour Abbey → Montagne Sainte-Victoire and Bimont dam · 91 km · 1 h 15 minOvernight nearby, for example: Aire de camping-cars Peyrolles-en-Provence (12 km); Messidor (12 km).
- Day 3: Montagne Sainte-Victoire and Bimont dam → Aix-en-Provence · 9 km · 0 h 08 minOvernight nearby, for example: Aire de camping-cars Peyrolles-en-Provence (17 km); Hubert & Jennifer (3 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and November. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Alpilles and Montagne Sainte-Victoire?
3-day road trip of about 144 km (90 mi) with 7 stops, from Avignon to Aix-en-Provence. About 1 h 60 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Alpilles and Montagne Sainte-Victoire?
We suggest 3 days: about 1 h 60 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Alpilles and Montagne Sainte-Victoire start and end?
It starts in Avignon and ends in Aix-en-Provence.
Which countries does Alpilles and Montagne Sainte-Victoire pass through?
France.
Where can you camp along Alpilles and Montagne Sainte-Victoire?
OpenStreetMap lists 78 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping Bagatelle, Camping Les Avignon and Camping Avignon Parc.
When is the best time for Alpilles and Montagne Sainte-Victoire?
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
