La Villa Saint Etienne - SRDP131YF

Les Alpilles are a small rocky range of hills in Provence, which stretch from the Rhone to the Durance rivers. The peaks of which are an imposing mix of bare limestone and scrub or garrigue, whilst the lower slopes and surrounding countryside are rich in olive groves, vineyards, cypress, pine, almond trees and sunflowers.

Above all else, what is particularly striking is the magical quality and luminescence of the light, which has been the inspiration of a host of painters, the most famous of which, being Vincent Van Gogh.

The region boasts some of Provence`s most famous tourist sites, such as the Roman ruins of Glanum, the medieval hilltop village of Les Baux-de-Provence and the stylish little town of Saint-Remy-de-Provence, which was the birthplace and home of Nostradamus.

Several pretty and typical Provencal villages encircle Les Alpilles; Maussane, Mouries, Fontvieille, Eygalieres, Le Paradou and Maillane. With stone built houses, clustered around Romanesque churches, open squares shaded by plane trees, fountains, charming cafes, restaurants and weekly markets -all have their own distinct character and charm.

Whilst further afield and yet all within easy striking distance, are, the papal walled town of Avignon, the Roman town of Arles, the spectacular Camargue, vibrant Aix-en-Provence and France`s second city the port of Marseille.