Le Paradou
17 km north east of Arles and 36 km south of Avignon.
Discover the charming Alpilles village of Le Paradou
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.
Village history
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).
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.
The santon museum of little Provence
In Le Paradou, you'll discover an astonishing museum featuring over 400 different santons on 400 m² of exhibition space and 32 models. Le Paradou's Petite Provence is said to be one of the largest nativity scenes in the world (1/6th scale), and is well worth a visit to admire the work of Provence's finest master santonniers. True works of art!
A good restaurant: the “Bistrot du Paradou”
If you're looking for a good place to eat in Paradou, head for “Le Bistrot du Paradou”. You'll enjoy superb Provencal cuisine (including a delicious aioli). Recommended by the Michelin Guide, Charles Aznavour used to come here regularly for lunch during his stays in the Alpilles.
The market at Le Paradou
Paradou's pretty Provencal market takes place every Tuesday morning in the town center. It's a friendly market, ideal for stocking up on local produce. Once the market's done, stop for a coffee on one of the village's many sunny terraces, then take a stroll to admire the village's beautiful Provencal mas.
Our map of Le Paradou (postal code 13520)
To find your way around Le Paradou, you can use our interactive map on this page. We've included all the places of interest (town hall, post office, museums...) as well as our accommodation recommendations so you can locate them before booking your vacation in Le Paradou.
What to do in Le Paradou
If you're looking for original things to do in the Alpilles, here's a selection of original outings organized by local guides. We've tried them out and recommend them!
What to see
The towers of the 17th-century Château de Castillon.
La Petite Provence du Paradou museum.
Local craft stores
Saint-Martin-de-Castillon church
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
Charming design hotel with 15 amazing contemporary suites
Gourmet restaurant - Heated outdoor pool - Seminars
Spa with hammam, massage, Fitness
Holiday rentals
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.
Accomodations
Hotels.
Bed and breakfast.
Vacation rentals - Gites.
YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT PARADOU
You've sent us several inquiries about Le Paradou. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions. Don't hesitate to send us an email if you have any further questions, and we'll do our best to answer them.
What's the weather like in winter in Le Paradou?
Winter is obviously not the best season for the weather, but it's between 2°C and 11°C in December. It can also rain... and happily so! On the other hand, you'll be able to enjoy the different villages of the Alpilles without the summer crowds, and that's something you'll really appreciate!
Where is Le Paradou?
Le Paradou is located in the Provence Alpes Côtes d'Azur region, in the Bouches du Rhône département and the Alpilles tourist region. It's a very pretty village close to the communes of Les Baux de Provence and Fontvieille.
NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES
Maussanne les Alpilles (2 km), Les Baux de Provence (5 km) and Fontvieille (7 km).