Alpilles

'Chain of the Little Alps') is a small range of low mountains in Provence, southern France, located about 20 km (12 mi) south of Avignon.

Although it is not high – some 498 m (1,634 ft) at its highest point – the Alpilles range stands out impressively, as it rises abruptly from the Rhône valley and from the very flat alluvial plain of Crau.

The landscape of the Alpilles is one of arid limestone peaks separated by dry valleys.

The Chaîne des Alpilles is part of the territory of 15 communes:[1] Aureille, Les Baux-de-Provence, Eygalières, Eyguières, Fontvieille, Mas-Blanc-des-Alpilles, Maussane-les-Alpilles, Mouriès, Paradou, Orgon, Saint-Étienne-du-Grès, Saint-Martin-de-Crau, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Sénas, Tarascon.

In the very old village of Les Baux de Provence, a cave was used 8000 years ago.

The Tour des Opies stands at the highest point of the Alpilles.
Topographic map of the Alpilles range.
Alpilles landscape near Le Destet. The three types of landscape forms can clearly be seen: cultivated land on the lower slopes, trees on the foothills and bare rock on the peaks.
Les Alpilles (1889), painted by van Gogh while in Saint-Rémy
Panorama of the Alpilles