Eygalières
A peaceful Alpilles village shaped by landscape and light.
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Eygalières is a small, elegant village set against the rocky ridgeline of the Alpilles. Its stone houses, narrow lanes, and long views create an atmosphere that feels both refined and natural.
The village sits only a few minutes from Saint-Rémy, yet its rhythm is calmer and more intimate. Mornings begin quietly with soft light on the stone façades, and by midday the terraces fill with visitors enjoying a drink or a simple meal. Afternoons bring a gentle flow of people walking the upper paths, browsing small shops, or settling into shaded corners.
The landscape surrounding Eygalières is a significant part of its appeal. Olive groves and vineyards extend toward the plains, and quiet country roads provide easy routes for walking or cycling. The air often carries the scent of herbs and warm stone, and the absence of heavy traffic helps preserve the village’s slow pace. Eygalières maintains a strong sense of place without feeling overrun or overly curated. It holds a balance that many travelers seek—sophisticated without excess, simple without losing its charm, and deeply connected to the natural beauty of the Alpilles.
A Brief History of Eygalières
Eygalières developed along a rocky spine that offered natural protection and clear views across the plains. The village’s medieval center grew around a thirteenth-century castle, of which only the vaulted ground floor remains today. A statue of the Virgin was added in 1893 to mark a local miracle, though the story behind it has been lost over time.
One of the most recognizable structures in the village is the Clock Tower, built in 1672 using stones from the former castle. The tower symbolizes a period of independence for Eygalières. In 1660, the villagers purchased the rights to their own land after paying a ransom to free their lord, who had been captured during conflict with the Spanish.
Over the centuries, agriculture shaped the landscape, with olive groves, vineyards, and farming traditions continuing into the present day. Today, Eygalières preserves its historic structures while offering a calm, elevated experience that reflects the character of the Alpilles.
Food & Drink in Eygalières
Eygalières hosts a lively Friday morning market with produce, cheeses, olives, baked goods, and local specialties. It is one of the most charming small markets in the Alpilles and draws both residents and visitors.
The village has several refined yet relaxed restaurants, along with cafés and terraces that focus on seasonal produce. For the most current dining recommendations, refer to TripAdvisor or updated local guides, as menus and openings shift with the seasons.
To help you navigate, visit our Google Maps link for Eygalières where we have tagged our preferred spots across the city:
Wineries near Eygalières include:
Most vineyards close on Sundays and during lunch hours. Many offer tastings, olive oil products, and estate walks.
Boulangerie Le Mitron d’Eygalières – Located on Rue de la République. Closed Sunday afternoon and Monday.
Eygalières has one small grocery:
Épicerie Aqualeria – Open Tuesday through Saturday with limited Sunday hours. Closed Monday except in July and August.
For larger supermarkets:
- Intermarché Orgon. 8 km away on the N7.
- Intermarché Saint-Rémy. 12 km away.
- Super U Sénas. 15 km away.
Things to Do in Eygalères
Our Top Pick
Art & Culture
Outdoor Activities
Day Trips from Eygalières
Activities For Children
Our Top Pick
Walk up through the village toward its highest point, following the path to the remains of the old castle and the Clock Tower. The climb is short but rewarding, passing stone houses, quiet corners, and small viewpoints that gradually open toward the landscape.
At the top, pause to take in the sweeping views across the Alpilles, where limestone hills, olive groves, and farmland stretch in every direction. From this vantage point, Eygalières reveals its true character. Elevated, composed, and deeply connected to its surroundings, it offers one of the most impressive panoramas in the region and a clear sense of why the village feels so quietly refined.
Art & Culture
Art and culture in and around Eygalières draw from centuries of history and the creative legacy of the Alpilles. The village itself offers a few small but meaningful landmarks, while nearby Saint-Rémy and Les Baux expand the experience with museums, archaeological sites, and connections to artists who lived and worked in the region. Together, they create a rich cultural landscape that pairs naturally with the area’s quiet, scenic setting.
- La Chapelle Saint Sixte. A twelfth-century Romanesque chapel set on an isolated hill.
- Saint-Rémy’s cultural sites. Only minutes away, including the Van Gogh sites and the former asylum where he stayed.
- Glanum Roman ruins. A major archaeological site south of Saint-Rémy.
Outdoor Activities
The landscape around Eygalières offers some of the most accessible outdoor experiences in the Alpilles. Quiet country roads, olive groves, and rolling hills create easy routes for walking, cycling, and spending time in nature. The terrain is gentle enough for casual outings yet scenic enough to feel rewarding, and the light in this area changes throughout the day in ways that make even short walks memorable.
- Walking paths. Quiet lanes and trails surround the village with views of olive groves and the Alpilles range.
- Cycling. Scenic routes connect Eygalières to nearby villages and open countryside.
- Olive and vineyard visits. Many estates welcome guests for tastings and short walks.
Day Trips from Eygalières
Eygalières sits in a central position that makes day trips simple and practical. Within minutes you reach historic sites, larger villages, vineyards, and major cultural attractions. The surrounding region offers a wide mix of experiences, from Roman ruins and medieval fortresses to open-air markets and scenic drives through the Alpilles. It is an ideal base for exploring Provence without long travel times.
- Saint-Rémy. Shops, galleries, restaurants, and market days.
- Les Baux-de-Provence. Dramatic cliffs, castle ruins, and cultural sites.
- Maussane and Paradou. Peaceful villages with restaurants and shaded squares.
- Arles. Roman monuments, museums, and access to the Camargue.
- Luberon villages. Bonnieux, Gordes, and Ménerbes are within reach for a full-day outing.
Activities For Children
Children enjoy the upper village paths, open viewpoints, and the quiet streets below. The Friday market provides an easy, engaging experience. Nearby, the Alpilles offer short walks suitable for families. Saint-Rémy’s Roman ruins and outdoor spaces also provide simple activities for younger travelers.
- Walk up to the old castle ruins and Clock Tower, turning the short climb into a mini adventure with views at the top
- Explore the village paths and stone stairways, which feel safe and easy to navigate
- Enjoy open space and playtime in the fields and olive groves just outside the village
- Take gentle family walks along countryside paths at the foot of the Alpilles
- Visit nearby farms and markets to discover local produce and animals
- Short day trips to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence or Les Baux-de-Provence for castles, ruins, and open spaces
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Frequently Asked Questions About Eygalières
Answers to our most frequently asked questions.
Eygalières is known for its stone architecture, refined atmosphere, hillside views, and easy access to the Alpilles and Saint-Rémy.
Yes. The village is compact, with narrow streets and an easy climb to the historic upper section.
Yes. It offers one of the most balanced village experiences in Provence with scenery, calm streets, and strong access to nearby cultural sites.
Spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures and clear views. Summer brings lively terraces. Winter is quiet and suited to slower travel.
Two to four days allow you to explore the village, visit surrounding towns, enjoy a market, and take walks through the countryside.
A car provides the easiest access. Saint-Rémy, Les Baux, Maussane, and various vineyards are within a short drive.
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Only Provence co-founder Lydia Dean writes about their experiences raising a family, building a business in Provence, and later combining the love of travel with giving back in "Jumping the Picket Fence”. In 2021, she published “Light Through the Cracks,” a continuation of her journey, much of which has been based in Provence. Both books are available Amazon, Amazon.uk, and Amazon.Fr.