Alpilles landscape near Le Destet. The three types of landscape forms can clearly be seen: cultivated land on the lower slopes, trees on the foothills and bare rock on the peaks.
The range is actually an extension of the much larger Luberon range. Although it is not particularly high - only some 387 m (1,270 ft) at its highest point - the Alpilles range stands out disproportionately, as it rises apparently sheer from the plain of the Rhône valley. The range is about 25 km long by about 8 to 10 km wide, running in an east-west direction between the Rhone and Durance rivers.
The landscape of the Alpilles is one of arid, dry limestone peaks with dry valleys separating them. The lower slopes are planted with olive and almond trees with kermes oaks and pines also growing there. Much of the range is, however, bare rock or stony ground covered with scrub and maquis.
The highest parts of the range are a nature reserve inhabited by a number of rare species, including Bonelli's eagle, the Egyptian vulture and eagle owl. Some of these species were introduced in the Alpilles in the 1980s.
The Alpilles were immortalised in art by Vincent van Gogh, who painted many images of the Alpilles' landscapes during his time in St_Rémy_de_Provence on the north side of the mountains.
The Alpilles are an extension of the Luberonmountains, which stretch out to the east.
Although the ridge along the top seems white and barren, the Alpilles have been rich in almonds, apricot, olives and grain since the middle ages.
To the east, the GR6 drops down the southern slopes of the Alpilles to Aureille and Eyguières and points east, crossing to the north of Salon-de-Provence.
At the foot of the Alpilles, the success of Sanit Remy is due to its ancient street-walks full of charm, it's green valleys with a scent of refined perfume but also it's beautiful properties restored tastefully.
The Alpilles is a paradise for mountain-walkers, with hundreds of kilometers of indicated walks with different degree of difficulty at your disposal to better profit from the panorama.
Two golf courses - Mouriès and the Baux de Provence is situated in the heart of the Alpilles - both are waiting for you with it's magnificent views on the white rocks.
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