Eyguières is a village in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, located at the foot of the Alpilles mountains. Known for its airport and direct access to nature, it is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking and air sports. The village has retained its authentic Provençal character, away from the more touristy areas.
Top 3 original activities to do in Eyguières
In addition to visiting the village, Eyguières offers several activities specific to its location.
1. Wine estate tour and tasting
Be sure to visit the wine estates in the town. There are excellent guided tours followed by wine tastings. It's a fun and educational way to discover the region's beautiful wine estates. We particularly recommend the Domaine du Vallon des Glauges:
Nestled in the heart of the Alpilles mountain range, the Domaine du Vallon des Glauges extends over a majestic and wild territory. It is a magical place that connects the site of Eyguières to Baux-de-Provence and extends from the foot of Mont Menu to the Tour des Opies. Guided tour and tasting at the estate.
2. Hike to the summit of Les Opies
The Tour des Opies trail is a difficult hike that leads to the highest point of the Alpilles massif (498 m). The summit offers a panoramic view of the entire region, from Mont Ventoux to the Camargue.
3. Take a glider flight over the Alpilles
The Salon-Eyguières aerodrome is an important center for gliding. It is possible to take an introductory glider flight there. This activity allows you to fly over the landscapes of the Alpilles, the olive groves, and the surrounding villages.
Things to do in Eyguières
Eyguières and its surroundings offer a variety of activities for a stay rich in discoveries: sporting, cultural, or related to local traditions.
Where can you enjoy the scenery and outdoor activities?
Eyguières is a starting point for many activities in the Alpilles mountains. The region is ideal for hiking and air sports, offering views of scrubland and limestone landscapes.
Air sports (gliding, microlighting, parachuting)
The Salon-Eyguières airfield has several organizations offering introductory flights:
Gliding: Flight without an engine. Several clubs, such as the Salon-Eyguières Gliding Center (CVVSE), organize these flights. Passengers can take the controls under the supervision of an experienced pilot if they wish. Reservations are required.
Microlight (Ultra-Light Motorized): Maiden flight or introduction. The Aéroclub Nostradamus, based at the Salon-Eyguières aerodrome (LFNE), has been offering maiden flights and microlight pilot training since 1988. Flights are available all year round. It is recommended that you contact them to book.
Parachuting: For thrill seekers. Clubs such as the Aéroclub Alpin or Fly-in-Provence organize these activities. It is recommended that you contact them to make a reservation.
The Tour des Opies hike
This marked trail is approximately 12 km long and is challenging (with an elevation gain of approximately 500 m). It is a route for experienced hikers. The starting point is near Mas de la Dame. Appropriate hiking equipment (shoes, water, sun protection) is required. It is also essential to check the weather and access permits for the mountains before setting off (fire risk in summer).
The Pène rock trail
This loop hike is shorter and easier than the Opies hike. It offers views of the village of Eyguières, the Crau plain, and the Durance valley. It is a good choice for a family outing.
What to visit to discover the heritage and history?
The village of Eyguières has several sites of historical interest. A walk through the old town and its surroundings allows you to discover monuments and buildings that bear witness to the region's past.
The old village and the fountain trail
The historic center includes a 17th-century belfry with its campanile, the Porte de la Gaffe (remains of the old ramparts), and several ancient fountains. A walking trail allows you to discover them.
The Château de Roquemartine
This medieval fortress is privately owned and not open to the public. It can be seen from the D569 road towards Lamanon. The site occasionally hosts private events.
The Saint-Vérédème Chapel
This 11th-century Romanesque chapel is located in a small valley outside the village. It is a listed historical monument, accessible after a short walk.
Where can you discover local traditions and products?
The Provençal culture of Eyguières is expressed through its market, its gastronomy, and its popular festivals. This is an opportunity to discover local products and participate in local life.
The Provençal market
It takes place every Tuesday morning on Place Monier. Here you will find local producers selling fruit and vegetables, olive oil from the Vallée des Baux (AOP), cheese, and crafts.
Olive oil from the Alpilles
Olive cultivation is central to the region. Several mills and farms in the surrounding area offer tastings and sell their olive oil.
The Fête Votive and bullfighting traditions
The village festival usually takes place during the first week of August. It features traditional events such as the abrivados (bull runs supervised by horsemen). There are also the courses camarguaises, a local sporting tradition where “raseteurs” attempt to remove objects placed on a bull's horns. The animal is not injured and returns to the ranch after the race. These events take place mainly in summer, in the village arena. The calendar is available locally.
How to get to Eyguières?
By car: Take the A7 motorway (Sénas exit) or the A54 (Salon-de-Provence exit). The village is on the D17 departmental road.
By train: The nearest train station is in Salon-de-Provence (6.2 miles). The nearest TGV station is in Avignon.
By bus: The ZOU! regional bus network connects Eyguières to Salon-de-Provence.
By plane: Marseille-Provence Airport (MRS) is about a 40-minute drive away.
Villages and nature in the surrounding area
From Eyguières, it is possible to visit other sites of interest in the region. Just 10 km away, Salon-de-Provence offers an urban visit with the Château de l'Empéri and the house of Nostradamus. As you venture deeper into the heart of the massif, you can quickly reach the popular villages of the Alpilles. These include Les Baux-de-Provence, with its medieval fortress and the Carrières de Lumières, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, known for its market and the landscapes painted by Van Gogh. To the south, the landscape changes with the Plaine de la Crau, a protected steppe in a nature reserve that is an important site for bird watching.