Eygalières and Saint-Sixte chapel in the Alpilles

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In the Alpilles, Eygalières invites you to climb towards the remains of the old village before returning to the shopping streets below. Away from the centre, Saint-Sixte chapel offers a different setting among cypresses and rocks.

Eygalières, village of the Alpilles

The old village of Eygalières occupies a rocky rise crowned by a statue of the Virgin Mary on a surviving part of the former castle. Nearby, the Clock Tower, built between 1662 and 1672 using stones from the castle, recalls the community’s independence from its lord.

Below stands the Chapel of the White Penitents, built in the late 16th century. Since 1967 it has housed the Maurice Pezet local history museum, whose collections explore the village’s past. The higher streets offer views towards the Alpilles, the Luberon and Mont Ventoux.

Going down again towards the old village, we pass in front of Saint-Laurent church, from the 12th century, surmounted by a bell tower added well after its construction. Beautiful stone houses steeped in history rise above the plain, forming a maze of narrow streets. Eygalières is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, which have been the main source of wealth for the inhabitants since antiquity. In the village, a new church, Saint-Laurent, is more recent: it was built in 1905 in a Romanesque Revival style.

Take time over the walk: passages between houses, old doorways and viewpoints give the upper village its character. Below, shops and café terraces offer a different atmosphere, especially on Friday morning when the market takes place.

St. Sixtus chapel

About two kilometres from the centre towards Orgon, Saint-Sixte chapel stands on a rocky plateau framed by cypresses. This 12th-century Romanesque building, later extended with a porch and hermitage, has become a familiar image of the Alpilles. The Easter Tuesday “roumavage” pilgrimage recalls its religious role. Access to the surroundings does not guarantee that the interior is open.

Visit Eygalières in photos : slideshow

Planning your visit

Wear suitable shoes for the sloping streets of the old village. For museum opening and opportunities to visit Saint-Sixte, contact the Eygalières tourist information office. Walks in the hills are subject to current access restrictions.

Accommodation in Eygalières

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Sights and activities

Eygalières website: www.mairieeygalieres.com

• Maurice Pezet local history museum: seasonal volunteer opening; check with the tourist office.
• The windmill
• The clock tower
• Le refuge Jean Moulin
• Le Mas de la Brune (private residence)
• Saint-Laurent village festival in early August
• Cultural events: check the current municipal programme.
• Weekly market Friday morning all year round

Getting to Eygalières

GPS location N 43°45'36'' - E 4°57'00''

The village of Eygalières is located in the Bouches-du-Rhône, in the Regional Natural Park of the Alpilles.

Eygalières location : altitude 110 metres, 1800 inhabitants, 7 km from Orgon, 12 km from Saint-Rémy de Provence, 22 km from Baux de Provence, 30 km from Avignon, 38 km from Arles, 63 km from Aix-en-Provence

Getaway · Guest Houses in Provence PortalEygalières, the walk up to the old villageExplore more of Eygalières in my new photographic report on the Portal. Read the getaway →

Getaway · Guest Houses in Provence PortalSaint-Sixte chapel, in the AlpillesRead my photographic report on the Portal. Read the getaway →