Eygalières
vacation rentals in eygalières - Villas in the Alpilles
At the Foot of the Alpilles
Located at the foot of the Alpilles mountains, Eygalières is an authentic Provencal village known for its timeless charm and picturesque landscapes. Our luxury vacation home rentals immerse you in the Provencal art of living, with exceptional properties to suit your every whim.
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- 10 pers.
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- 12 pers.
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14900€
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10200€
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- 11 pers.
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7500€
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- 12 pers.
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8000€
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5 Reasons to Visit Eygalières
Its authentic Provençal charm.
The beauty of its natural landscape.
Its picturesque streets and stone houses.
The breathtaking views of the Alpilles.
The historical monuments to discover.
Vacationing in Eygalières
If you’re planning to visit the Alpilles, you cannot miss Eygalières. It has a unique and discreet charm, like only ancient and secluded villages can offer.
Summer Holidays
Built around 1155, the Saint Sixte Chapel is a must-see in the village of Eygalières. Located just outside the village, slightly higher to the east, it underwent significant renovations in 1629, with the addition of an entrance porch to protect pilgrims from the heat and a small monastery surrounded by a short enclosing wall. Thanks to numerous representations, this small chapel has become closely associated with the region in the minds of many.
Another feature that adds to the chapel’s charm is the presence of cypress trees all around. Planted many years ago by the Romans, these trees, symbols of hospitality, are particularly resistant to the surrounding heat and lack of water. Another useful characteristic is their deep roots (averaging 80 cm but easily exceeding a meter), which “hold” the stones and soil, preventing landslides, which is always welcome in mountainous regions. Thanks to its tenacity, the cypress is probably, after the olive tree, the most recognizable tree in the region.
If you're stuck by the rain on a Sunday afternoon, try the small Vieil Eygalières museum, also known as the "Musée Maurice Pezet," named after its founder. Run by a group of volunteers, it displays many objects dating back to antiquity, as well as photos of village life from the mid-1800s to today. Originally, this chapel belonged to the White Penitents, a religious group who had it built in 1581. During the terrible plague of 1720, the Penitents were tasked with burying the dead under the chapel floor. They left it permanently in 1881.
A l'origine, cette chapelle était celle des Pénitents Blancs, un groupe religieux qui l'a fait construire en 1581. Lors de la terrible peste de 1720, les Pénitents furent chargés d'enterrer les morts sous le sol de la chapelle. Ils la quittèrent définitivement en 1881.
Looking for an easy hike on a sunny day? At the top of the local hill are the ruins of what was once a castle. Today, only the last remains of the main keep, a guardroom, survive. The ruins are topped by a statue of the Virgin Mary, erected in 1893 to commemorate a miracle that reportedly occurred in Eygalières that same year. Although the ruins are not particularly beautiful, the 360° view from the top of the hill is breathtaking.
Golf Courses Nearby
The golf courses in Provence offer unique settings. The one in Les Baux, nestled in the heart of the Alpilles, stands out for its spectacular views. In Mouriès, Servane captivates with its tranquility between mountains and pine trees. In Avignon, the course combines history and quality, while Pont Royal, designed by Seve Ballesteros, presents a challenging experience in the heart of the region. These locations are must-visits for golf enthusiasts in Provence.
Places to Visit in Eygalières
Although the village is not large, it more than makes up for it with the richness of its sites, both within its walls and in the surrounding countryside.
Family Holidays
Not far from the castle ruins stands the proud Clock Tower. Built in 1672 with stones from the castle itself, it is an important symbol for the villagers. In 1660, the local lord, Duke Henri II of Guise, was held prisoner by the Spanish. Unable to pay the ransom himself, he begged his fellow citizens to do it for him (between 10,000 and 48,000 livres), which they did. Grateful for their gesture, he granted them all seigneurial rights, making them free. Another version claims that this “gift” was not out of generosity but simply because the duke could not repay them with money. Either way, the villagers celebrated this newfound freedom by erecting this tower, which still bears a bell today, a rarity in the village.
Romantic Getaway
Want to walk a bit through history? Why not visit the Maset de La Lèque, commonly known as the Jean Moulin Refuge. This place served as a hideout for one night for French resistance fighter Jean Moulin (and a friend) after his parachuting following his departure from England. The site is a bit off the beaten path from the village center and makes for a lovely walk with stunning views of the Alpilles.
Vacation with Your Dog
The “Pont Romain et la Chapelle de Romanin” trail follows the ancient routes of the Roman road, now mostly gone. The path offers a variety of scenery and is fairly easy to follow. The proximity of the local airfield allows you to catch glimpses of gliders taking off. The trail passes through a pine forest, which will keep your four-legged friend cool and out of the heat. You should be able to spot the peaks of the Alpilles through the branches. A fun detail: despite its name, the current bridge is not Roman, as it was built in the Middle Ages.
Getting to Eygalières
The commune is served by the RD 24B.
To visit Provence, the airports in Marseille, Montpellier, and Nice are the most recommended.
Several buses departing from Avignon station can take you to Eygalières, with the main line being 706. The nearest TGV station is Avignon TGV.
The region around the village offers numerous cycling paths and trails.
Nearby Towns to Eygalières
- Mollégès: Approximately 5 kilometers.
- Aureille: Approximately 6 kilometers.
- Orgon: Approximately 8 kilometers.
- Saint-Andiol: Approximately 8 kilometers.
Time in Provence has selected the best restaurants in the region for you.
The Hidden Gems and Authentic Charm of Eygalières
The town’s history is rich, primarily linked to the Roman presence in the region. For example, the name “Eygalières” comes from its Roman name “Aquileria,” itself derived from “Aquila,” the eagle. This animal is still visible today on the town’s coat of arms. In terms of traditions, the village has kept many alive. One of the most well-known is the “Roumavage de Saint Sixte.” Held every Easter Tuesday, this pilgrimage brings a large costumed parade to the doors of the Saint Sixte chapel. A statue of the Pope is often carried at the head of the procession. True to a medieval tradition, the mass is celebrated in “Lengo Nostro” (literally “Our Language”), a legacy of the old Occitan language spoken in the Middle Ages. For several centuries, the village has been under the protection of Saint Lawrence of Rome, as evidenced by the names of the two local churches, the first of which was built in the 12th century. Even the town’s first coat of arms was a tribute to the Saint, as it depicted a grill (the martyrdom suffered by Lawrence before his death). Every year, at the beginning of August, the village hosts the Saint-Laurent Festival, a five-day celebration during which the village steps back in time, with costumes, a ban on cars and engines, replaced by carts and horses. Bull races, traditional games, and pétanque competitions are also on the agenda for this festival.