From sweeping views at Défends d’Eyguières to Romanesque chapels and an annual pilgrimage, Eyguières offers several distinct themes for a stay. You can focus on the landscapes of the Alpilles Massif, architectural history or religious traditions.

Landscapes and Trails in the Alpilles Massif

Défends d’Eyguières overlooks the Crau pastures to the south and the Durance Valley to the north. Its sweeping panorama thus brings together two clearly distinct landscapes. Eyguières is part of the Alpilles Regional Nature Park, established in 2007. Tour des Opies is a viewpoint on a hilltop. At Défends, the panorama’s direction is the main feature; at Tour des Opies, it is the hilltop location.

You can hike, cycle and mountain bike on the trails and paths of the Alpilles Massif. These are different ways to include the landscape in your travel plans. If you want to focus more on cultural history, Eyguières also offers several notable points of interest: chapels from different centuries, preserved remains and dated wall paintings.

Chapels and Architectural History

Chapelle Saint-Vérédème is an 11th-century Romanesque chapel. It was designated a historic monument by decree on October 16, 1906. The dating of Chapelle Saint-Pierre-de-Vence is less certain: it was probably built toward the end of the 11th century. Its simple barrel-vaulted nave and the so-called cul-de-four apse in the choir offer two specific architectural features. The barrel vault forms a lengthwise arch; the apse closes off the choir with a semicircular, dome-like shape.

Chapelle des Pénitents blancs was built in the 19th century on the former site of the original Sainte-Marie-Madeleine church and its cemetery. Its single-aisle nave has three bays, with the transverse arches built of dressed stone. Remains of Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Anges are found on a rocky hill in Eyguières’ Cadenières district. Each of these different structures and remains offers its own perspective on the town’s history; the chapels do not share a single period of construction or design.

Other cultural landmarks also help put the dates into context. Fontaine Cocotte has been designated a historic monument since 1923. Chapelle Saint-Roch contains wall paintings by Albert Martin dating from 1964. The years 1906 and 1923 therefore refer to historic monument designations, while 1964 dates the wall paintings. This makes it possible to consider designation, architectural history and artistic work as distinct aspects of the cultural heritage.

The Pilgrimage to Saint-Marc

The pilgrimage to Saint-Marc has taken place in Eyguières every year on April 25 since the 1980s. Traditions include a mass celebrated in Provençal, the blessing of navettes and the blessing of the fields. This recurring religious tradition adds a fixed date in the annual calendar to the architectural heritage. If you are planning a visit for a particular year, it is advisable to confirm the arrangements locally.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests

When planning, you can first decide whether to focus on the landscape or architectural history. The trails of the Alpilles Massif offer opportunities for hiking and cycling, while the chapels and cultural landmarks described here explore a range of historical and architectural themes. Mountain biking is also possible on the massif’s trails and paths. If you are especially interested in architecture, you can compare the Romanesque chapels and their different features; if you are looking for scenic views, you can find them in the panorama at Défends and at the Tour des Opies viewpoint.

Discover more destinations: Orgon, Plan-D'orgon, Eguilles, Saint-Savournin, Les Milles, Berre-L'étang, Noves, Ensuès-La-Redonne

Go to the regional travel guide: Bouches Du Rhone.