Discover Lamanon: Heritage and Hiking

Lamanon brings together the troglodytic site of Calès, historic buildings, and opportunities for hiking. Its attractions offer a variety of experiences: at Calès, caves and traces of early settlement meet distinctive trails, while the museum and historic buildings reveal other facets of the town’s history. Two hikes take you through the landscape around Calès, each with a different length and character. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus on heritage, a circular route, or a seasonal vineyard hike.

Calès: Caves and History

The Calès site has been classified since February 26, 1918. Since the most recent development phase, visitors can explore it via two circular routes. A green-marked trail leads through the Cirque de Calès and begins 100 meters beyond the village church. The Calade, a stone path, leads to the cirque through a fortified enclosure on its north and south sides. In 2021, access to the caves of Calès in Lamanon was improved. For safety reasons, some paths and troglodytic dwellings there are closed.

The figures give an impression of the site: 58 of the 116 troglodytic caves recorded there were later used as living quarters for up to 220 people. The Church of Saint-Denis de Calès was built in the 12th century, expanded and restored in the 14th century, and restored several more times over the centuries. It is considered the only surviving, intact evidence of settlement at the troglodytic site of Calès. The Chapel of Saint-Denis in Lamanon tells a different story: it was built on the site of an older place of worship dedicated to Saint Marcellin, dating back to the 6th century.

Museum, Bastide, and a Remarkable Tree

The Musée de Calès is housed in the Cabaret, a former hôtel particulier. The first room on the ground floor focuses on archaeology, explains the troglodytic site, and displays pottery found there. The second room presents archaeological material and an exhibition. The museum also has an exhibition about the extraction, processing, and export of pine resin. At Calès, the history of the cave complex meets a closer look at the use of a natural resource.

The Château de Lamanon is a Provençal bastide dating from the 17th century. Its architecture and tree-filled park date back to 1660; the park is irrigated by the Canal de Craponne-Boisgelin. Le Géant de Provence adds a distinctive natural landmark. The plane tree, about 300 years old, is 53 meters tall and has a circumference of 8 meters. It is designated a natural monument of artistic character and is included among the “Arbres remarquables de France.” The tree stands on private property: you can see it from the road at the intersection of D23 and Grand Rue.

Hikes Around Calès

The “LAMANON – Autour de Calès” hiking route is a moderately difficult, 13.6-kilometer circular hike that takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. It links historic remains, wooded areas, and expansive views of the Alpilles. The starting and finishing point is the Parking des Sources, about 500 meters from the town center. The hike is accessible by ZOU public transport and by TER trains via Cavaillon. As route information may change, check the details of the route and how to get there before setting out.

The 10-kilometer “Vignoble Grottes de Calès” hike starts at Domaine Bois Redon and leads to the medieval troglodytic site of Calès. There is an opportunity to taste local wines in the vineyards. Unlike “Autour de Calès,” this hike focuses on the route from the wine estate to the historic site and the possibility of a wine tasting. The experience is available seasonally; check the dates in advance. The two routes can therefore be distinguished by their length and the focus described for each.

Discover more destinations: Châteauneuf-Les-Martigues, Berre-L'étang, Graveson, Aubagne, Marignane, Saint-Rémy-De-Provence, Trets, Plan-De-Cuques.

For the broader travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.