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Paradou

17 km north east of Arles and 36 km south of Avignon.

Paradou, chapel
Le Paradou is the charming name given to this tiny village situated between the Baux de Provence and Maussane les Alpilles at the foot of the Alpilles mountain range.

Paradou, street
Although this village may well ressemble Paradise, the origins of its name Le Paradou are much more down to earth... its name comes from the ancient windmills used by the weavers who lived on the banks of the Arcoule river.
In the middle ages, the village was called St Martin de Castillon (not to be confused with the village in the Vaucluse).
Paradou, house
Established at the foot of the fortress, the Baux de Provence, the fate of the village was closely linked to the nobles, the "seigneurs des Baux". Two historic artefacts from this era can be seen today : a surprising hydraulic irrigation system and the remains of a 12th century chateau with crumbling towers and a walled enclosure.
Paradou, town hall
You can also visit an unusual museum displaying more than 400 different santons and 32 scale-models in an area 400 m2. La Petite Provence du Paradou is understood to be one of the biggest creches in the world.
This museum merits a detour as you can admire the work of some of the most talented Santon makers in Provence.
Le Paradou is a delightful village filled with beautifully restored houses and colourful gardens. With its narrow, well-maintained streets, brightly painted shutters, restaurants decorated in Provencal style and tempting hand-craft boutiques, Le Paradou is a glorious example of Provence at its best !

What to see

17th century chateau de Castillon.
"La Petite Provence du Paradou" museum.

Leisure activities

Hiking. Tennis, guided exercise trails and petanque.
Cultural events.

Hotels

In the heart of an olive grove, on the ground floor, in an ocean of luminosity
Exceptional rooms and suites created by Christophe Pillet
Underground parking and wellness area - Gourmet restaurant

113€ - 230€

Charming design hotel with 15 amazing contemporary suites
Gourmet restaurant - Heated outdoor pool - Seminars
Spa with hammam, massage, Fitness

195€ - 690€

Holiday rentals

Domaine Mejan
Paradou (Alpilles) | Arles : 8 km - Avignon : 29 km

3 superb ecolodges contemporary architecture, chic and nature design
2-4 pers with 40m² terrace + 1 villa 8 pers - Air cond. - Landscaped garden - Panoramic view - Heated pool - Massage, Pilates, Rollness, yoga.

980€ - 2090€

Accomodations

Hotels.
Bed and breakfast.
Vacation rentals - Gites.

NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES

Maussanne les Alpilles (2 km), Les Baux de Provence (5 km) et Fontvieille (7 km).

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Accomodation:

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Main villages of the area: