Saint Etienne du Grès

Discover the charming village of Saint-Étienne-du-Grès in the Alpilles

Saint-Étienne-du-Grès is a delightful village in the Alpilles that we really enjoy.

In the morning, the cicadas haven’t started singing yet. The air smells of warm pine and garrigue. You take the path that climbs toward the Notre-Dame-du-Château chapel, perched on its rocky outcrop above the village. Suddenly, the Alpilles mountain range opens up before you—white limestone, dark pine forests, ultramarine blue sky. Below, the Crau plain stretches all the way to the Rhône. In the distance, you can make out Tarascon and Arles.

In the afternoon, you head down to the local farmers’ market. The stalls are overflowing—AOP olives from the Baux Valley, oil from Mas Blanc in the Alpilles, wines from Domaine Dalméran, cheeses from the Crau Plain. You sample the goods. You leave with your arms full and a smile on your face.

In the evening, the central square slowly comes to life. The fountain murmurs. A restaurant terrace beckons you to take a seat. It’s still warm—thanks to the Mediterranean climate. You order a well-chilled white wine from the Alpilles and watch the light turn orange over the mountains.

That’s Saint-Étienne-du-Grès. Not a museum village. A real living place, in the heart of the Alpilles Regional Nature Park, from where all of Provence’s heritage is within reach on a day trip.

Beautiful country houses

The eastern part of the village (heading toward Saint-Rémy) is home to beautiful old country houses and carefully restored farmhouses, as well as lovely estates—small mansions surrounded by expertly landscaped gardens worthy of the finest interior design magazines.

The western part of the village consists of recently built houses, simpler homes with small, charming, and well-maintained gardens.

Hikes around the village

The area surrounding the village offers superb walks through the fragrant pine-covered hills, ensuring you have a very pleasant time amidst beautiful greenery.

Perched atop the hill to the east, you can visit the Chapel of Notre Dame du Château, which dates back to the 11th century and is the oldest in the region.

A perfect excuse for a lovely walk; once you arrive at the chapel, you’ll be amazed by the tranquility of the site and the serene, restful atmosphere that reigns here. Throughout the walk, you’ll enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of Tarascon, Arles, and Châteaurenard.

The village market

Don’t miss the fruit and vegetable market, which takes place every afternoon (except Sundays) and brings together shoppers, market gardeners, small and large producers, as well as tourists and passersby for a vibrant spectacle full of colors, scents, and flavors—and a strong local accent.