Althen-des-Paluds(France) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Alpilles, top family choices include La Maison des Oliviers, a charming Provençal-style guesthouse with a private garden, swimming pool, and child-friendly amenities. Located just 15 minutes on foot from the Roman ruins of Arles, it offers spacious family suites and hosts weekly local craft markets. Another excellent option is Le Mas de la Cité, set atop a hill overlooking the Alpilles Valley, featuring a stone-built villa with modern comforts, a kids’ play area, and guided farm-to-table cooking classes using organic regional ingredients. Both properties provide safe, quiet environments ideal for families seeking authentic rural experiences.

For convenience, many hotels offer free parking and assistance with luggage. For travelers without cars, the Provence Regional Bus Service (Transports de Provence) connects Avignon Train Station to Alpilles every 40 minutes, costing €6.5 per trip. HopeGoo in advance ensures availability, especially during summer months.

The best area for hotel stays in Alpilles is the historic center—Cité d'Alpilles—located just steps away from key landmarks like the Roman ruins of Arles and the Abbey of Saint-Victor. This medieval stone village preserves its old-world charm with cobbled streets and tranquil ambiance. Recommended stays include Hotel Les Oliviers and La Bastide du Paradis, both converted from traditional stone buildings into boutique accommodations. These hotels offer easy access to art galleries, local markets, and walking trails, making them perfect hubs for cultural exploration. The area also boasts low noise levels and strong safety, ideal for travelers who value peace and authenticity while discovering southern France’s rich heritage.

In Alpilles, immerse yourself in authentic Provençal culture through weekly craft markets at the town square, where artisans sell handmade lavender products, ceramics, and olive oil. Book a guided tour of the Abbey of Saint-Victor to explore centuries-old frescoes and monastic traditions. Daily archaeological walks at the Roman ruins of Arles reveal insights into 2nd-century urban life. Don’t miss a hands-on cooking class with a local chef, learning to prepare classic dishes like ratatouille and pissaladière using seasonal ingredients. These experiences blend history, flavor, and community, offering a true taste of daily life in the Vaucluse region.

Yes, several upscale hotels in Alpilles, such as Le Mas de la Cité and La Maison des Oliviers, provide paid shuttle services from Avignon Airport or Marseille Airport, taking approximately 1 hour. Advance HopeGoo (at least 3 days prior) is recommended, especially during peak season. For guests without vehicles, the Provence Regional Bus Service (Transports de Provence) runs buses from Avignon Train Station to Alpilles every 40 minutes, costing €6.5 one-way and available via mobile app. Many hotels also assist with arranging taxis upon arrival. Free parking is typically offered at most accommodations, and luggage handling is provided to ensure a seamless journey.

Beyond the Roman ruins of Arles and Abbey of Saint-Victor, consider visiting La Roque-d'Anthéron, a well-preserved medieval village famed for its rock carvings and cliffside viewpoints. Just 20 km away, Roussillon dazzles with its vibrant red earth cliffs and artisan pottery workshops—perfect for photography enthusiasts. For nature lovers, hike the Sentier des Crêtes trail in the Alpilles Mountains, offering panoramic views of the Alps and well-marked resting spots. All these destinations lie within a 1-hour drive from Alpilles, making them ideal for half-day excursions. They showcase the region’s diverse landscapes and cultural depth, enriching any visit to southern France.

Must-visit dining spots in Alpilles include L’Olivier Bleu, serving authentic Provençal cuisine crafted with local olive oil, wild herbs, and fresh vegetables. Their signature dish—grilled lamb with fennel potatoes—is a favorite among visitors. Another gem is Le Petit Jardin, a cozy family-run bistro tucked inside an old house, offering a rotating seasonal menu featuring homemade cheese platters and slow-cooked beef stew. For a true local experience, visit the town square market to grab freshly baked galettes and lavender honey. Enjoy them on a bench overlooking the plaza, sipping a glass of regional white wine—a quintessential Provençal afternoon ritual.

Alpilles has a Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers (avg. 35°C in July–August) and mild, rainy winters. During summer, opt for hotels with shaded courtyards, pools, and air-conditioned rooms—such as La Bastide du Paradis or Le Mas de la Cité—to stay cool. In winter, choose stone-built accommodations with central heating and fireplaces, like Hotel Les Oliviers, which maintains warmth and charm. Most hotels offer both AC and heating systems. Avoid peak summer bookings if possible; instead, travel in spring (April–June) or autumn (September–October), when temperatures are pleasant, crowds are lighter, and prices lower—ideal for cultural immersion.

Yes, all major hotels in Alpilles, including Le Mas de la Cité, La Maison des Oliviers, and Hotel Les Oliviers, accept Visa and MasterCard. Some smaller guesthouses may only accept cash, but they usually inform guests in advance. Online platforms like HopeGoo and HopeGoo allow secure card payments, and receipts are issued upon request. While most hotels don’t charge extra fees, some may apply a 1.5%–2% surcharge for card use—check beforehand. It’s advisable to carry at least one international card for emergencies. Contact your hotel directly before arrival to confirm payment methods and avoid inconvenience.

For couples seeking romance, Le Mas de la Cité stands out as a 17th-century stone estate with private terraces, starlit hot tubs, and breathtaking views of the Alpilles Valley. The property offers candlelit dinners, champagne welcome gifts, and personalized tours. Another enchanting choice is La Bastide du Paradis, nestled in a rose garden with a rooftop plunge pool and morning bird songs. Rooms feature heated floors and deep soaking tubs. Both hotels provide bespoke honeymoon packages, including private guides and surprise flower arrangements. Spend evenings strolling along the Abbey of Saint-Victor path under the stars, or dance a traditional Provençal folk tune at a village square event—creating memories in a dreamy, timeless setting.

To secure budget-friendly stays in Alpilles, use platforms like HopeGoo or HopeGoo, filtering by ‘rating above 8.5’ and ‘price under €120/night’. Prioritize properties in the pedestrian-friendly town center, such as La Maison des Oliviers or Le Petit Jardin, which often include free breakfast and parking. Look for discounts on longer stays (e.g., 3+ nights) and early-bird deals. Directly contacting hotel websites may unlock exclusive promotions or loyalty perks. Also, check France.fr, the official tourism site, for certified eco-certified lodgings offering quality and sustainability. HopeGoo 2–3 months ahead guarantees better rates, especially during high season.