Exploring Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Best Activities and Sights

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Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is one of the oldest towns in France founded by the Celts more than 2,500 years ago and developed by both the Greeks and the Romans. Set at the base of the Alpilles Mountains and surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, this destination is ideal for a multi-day visit. Here are some activities to enjoy during your stay.

St. Paul de Mausole

Let’s start our list of interesting locations in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence with St. Paul de Mausole – a psychiatric centre that treated Van Gogh after he cut off his ear. The hospital was established in the early 1800s by Doctor Mercurin. Van Gogh spent a year in this hospital: from May 1889 to May 1890 and created his famous artwork, such as The Starry Night, Almond Blossom, and Field with Poppies.

When you arrive, you will be able to take a walk around the hospital territory, see a reconstruction of Van Gogh’s room, and meander through the lavender field. The ticket costs only $8. Please note that this hospital is closed between December 23 and February 2.

Domaine de La Vallongue

The next location we recommend visiting is Domaine de La Vallongue, a winery. Since 2008, it has belonged to Christian Latouche, Chairman of the Fiducial Group and also owner of Domaine des Terres Blanches. Here, you can try exquisite wines, like Domaine des Terres Blanches Red, Domaine des Terres Blanches «Aurélia» Red, «Broken Stones» Red, «Garrigues» White, Lirac «Château» Red, and other options. The assortment is impressive.

Visitors can also shop for handmade cosmetics, olive oils, and olives & tapenades. Opening hours are every day in high season from 10 AM to 1 PM and from 2 PM to 7 PM. Offers include:

• Tasting of 4 wines + 3 olive oils;
• Tasting of 4 wines + 3 olive oils + toasts;
• Tour of the estate + tasting of 3 wines + 3 olive oils + toasts.

Carrières de Lumiéres

Just a short 15-minute walk from Les Baux, you’ll find the Carrières de Lumières. That’s a beautiful light show you can’t miss. Inside a cave, you will have a chance to enjoy a 40-minute sensory pleasure by viewing artwork and images projected onto the vast walls.

Some of the exhibitions visitors can see include Monet, Rousseau, Jimmy Nelson, The Orientalists, Egyptian Pharaohs, Tintin, Mondrian, Yves Klein, Van Gogh, and many more. The full-rate ticket cost is $16.5. The Carrières de Lumières is open every day throughout the year.

Wednesday Morning Market

The market in Saint-Rémy is one of the finest, so you need to bring enough cash to buy everything you want. The market has everything you can only think about, such as savoury olives, scented soaps, woven basket bags, fresh seasonal fruits, local cheeses, and much more goodies.

The Saint-Rémy market runs from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM every Wednesday morning. During the summer season from June to early September, this location is crowded, so we recommend arriving early in the morning to shop.

Avignon: Cooking Class and Lunch with a Local Chef

For adventurers who prefer more interactive entertainment than simple sightseeing, we recommend visiting the cooking class and lunch with a local chef in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. The cost is around $600 which is rather expensive, but that is definitely an exciting and remarkable experience. During this event, travellers will:

• Take home some professional cooking skills to share with friends and family;
• Uncover the secret to picking out the highest-quality ingredients for your dish;
• Enjoy easy-to-follow instructions during this hands-on cooking workshop;
• Tuck into all the delectable handmake dishes that you have created for lunch;
• Eat a meal together with your group accompanied by water, wine, and coffee.

You may also be interested in our article: Street Food in Spain: 8 Must-Try Dishes Across the Country

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: 5 Places to Eat

While wandering across this region, travellers will inevitably become hungry. Check out the five best locations where you will find delicious meals:

• Restaurant de Tourrel. Discovered within Hôtel de Tourrel, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers an intimate dining experience for just 16 guests per service, featuring a seasonal menu.
• L’Auberge de Saint-Rémy. A Michelin-starred restaurant that specializes in farm-to-table cuisine with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
• Chapeau de Paille. A cozy French bistro serving classic Provençal dishes at an affordable price.
• Le Bistrot de Saint Rémy. Enjoy regional cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
• La Rose des Sables. A Mediterranean restaurant that offers a unique dining experience with diverse flavours.

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: 5 Places to Stay

For travellers who decide to spend a couple of days in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, it’s very important to find a comfortable place to stay. See the five best options:

• Hotel Château des Alpilles. A 5-star accommodation, a 5-minute drive from Saint-Rémy’s center, features a tree-lined driveway, a refined restaurant, and timeless interiors.
• Hôtel de Tourrel. Situated in the heart of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, this 17th-century mansion turned modern hotel offers a Michelin-starred restaurant, a rooftop pool, and a minimalistic design.
• La Maison de Line. Nestled in the town center, this charming hotel offers a retreat with an outdoor pool, gardens, and country-style rooms for a peaceful stay.
• Hôtel Gounod. Placed in an 18th-century building in the heart of Saint-Rémy, this hotel features a swimming pool, garden, and spa for a delightful stay.
• La Maison du Village. This charming hotel offers cozy rooms and a garden.

YouTube Video About Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

In addition to the picturesque destinations in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence mentioned in this article, you can watch the YouTube video of Sam Fournier, who recommends even more beautiful locations. Her vlog will inspire you to visit this place.

Final Words About Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, one of Southern France’s most charming towns, has a rich history dating back to the 7th century B.C. Originally settled by the Celts, it is among the oldest towns in the country. Even though this town is very small, you can freely book a couple of days in the local hotel, because there are many exciting activities to try. Bring enough cash, because you will be fascinated with the local market and souvenirs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Saint-Rémy-de-Provence