In Saint-Étienne-du-Grès, it is possible to go hiking, horse riding and cycling in the massif and along the local trails.
Those choosing Saint-Étienne-du-Grès as a destination may wish to rent a holiday apartment.
Trails and Landscape
The “La grande pinède des Alpilles” route is a 13.6 km, moderately difficult circular hiking trail lasting 4 hours, with 450 m of elevation gain. It leads over ridge paths and valley trails, through pine forests and olive groves, to the Notre-Dame-du-Château chapel.
Numerous hiking trails in the “Promenade et Randonnée” programme start at Mas de Pommet. Cycling tourism from the village includes the climb towards Les Baux.
Culture and History
The Notre-Dame-du-Château chapel is a Romanesque chapel dating from the 12th century. The first documented pilgrimage there dates back to 1420; the Brotherhood of the Priors of Notre-Dame-du-Château continues this tradition to this day. The local pilgrimage takes place on the last Sunday in May.
The private Templar chapel of Saint-Thomas can be visited by appointment. Le Grand Mas is a Renaissance building listed in the register of historic monuments and cannot be visited. The Oratoire Notre-Dame du Château stands on the path to the Notre-Dame du Château chapel and has been listed as a historic monument since 1937. The 16th-century Oratoire on the Canal des Alpines was classified as a historic monument by decree of 7 November 1922.
Festivals and Crafts
The Saint-Éloi festival is celebrated on the second Sunday in August and comprises four days of festivities, reaching its high point on Sunday with the procession of the “carreto ramado”. Saint-Éloi preserves a rural ritual passed down through generations, incorporating the Provençal language, traditional clothing and draught horses.
Abrivado, Bandido, Encierro and Cabestria regularly bring Saint-Étienne-du-Grès to life throughout the summer.
The André Vidau producers’ market was founded in April 1935 and takes place year-round on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons. Since 1818, Olivades has operated a workshop in the heart of the Alpilles, preserving the traditional art of textile printing and adapting it to modern life and today’s needs. Olivades offers a factory tour and factory outlet shopping.
Nature and Views
The Notre-Dame-du-Château viewpoint features information panels about the extensive pine forest landscape and the activities that shape it, including forestry, pastoral farming and nature tourism. It also offers panoramic views over a wooded area of the Alpilles.
The short-toed snake eagle can be observed from March to September above the valleys around Notre-Dame-du-Château.
Getting Around
Two bus routes operated by the Régie Départementale des transports (RDT 13) serve Saint-Étienne-du-Grès.
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