Mas-Blanc-Des-Alpilles: Heritage and Cycling Route

Mas-Blanc-Des-Alpilles offers several different points of interest for your stay: the partially protected estates of Château de Mas Blanc and Mas Vaillen, the Saint Lambert Chapel, and cycling and walking options. There is also the Fête de la Saint Lambert, as well as opportunities for sport and picnics. When planning your trip, you can distinguish between these themes according to whether you are interested in architectural history, access by prior request, or outdoor activities.

Protected Estates and Their Architecture

The private Château de Mas Blanc dates mainly from the second half of the 18th century. It has been partially protected under a decree dated 27 July 1978. The protection covers the façades and roofs, the wrought-iron gate, and the vestibule and staircase with its wrought-iron railing. It therefore encompasses various architectural elements of the estate, from the exterior design to the entrance area and staircase.

The private Mas Vaillen is also partially protected as a historic monument, under a decree dated 27 November 1995. This country house, built as a unified whole, dates from the late 18th century. Its distinctive features include a small boxwood garden and a ground-floor salon with panoramic wallpaper dating from 1818. The protection details refer, among other things, to this wallpaper in the salon and the two upstairs rooms, as well as to the façades and roofs of the outbuildings and annex buildings, and to the boxwood garden with its gates and boundary walls. Château de Mas Blanc and Mas Vaillen thus offer two different examples of architectural and decorative history; both estates are private.

Saint Lambert Chapel: Location and Access

Saint Lambert Chapel was probably built in the 10th century on a 40-metre-high rise above the plain. It is located near the cemetery of the commune of Mas-Blanc-des-Alpilles, at the end of an unpaved track. Public access is possible by prior request to the parish priest of Tarascon. If you would like to include the chapel in your plans, contact the priest before your visit.

Cycling Route, Sport and Landscape

In Mas-Blanc-Des-Alpilles, La Méditerranée à vélo cycling route runs along a 700-metre section. This section has picnic tables, a water point, benches, a children's playground, a pétanque court and sports facilities. This information helps you identify the specific facilities along the route section described; check the latest information about the route and its facilities before setting out.

The City Stade is located in the north of the commune on the cycle path between Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Saint-Étienne-du-Grès. It offers outdoor sports facilities, views over the plain and the Montagnette, picnic areas and a pétanque court. For orientation, these are two distinct points of interest: the 700-metre section is part of La Méditerranée à vélo cycling route, while the City Stade is on the cycle path between the two towns mentioned.

The Canal des Alpines carries water from the Durance over a distance of 120 kilometres and irrigates farmland in the Alpilles. Please note that the banks are private property and are not open to the public. Access along the watercourse requires prior permission; check local information in advance.

Walk and Festival Weekend

The Chemin de Rousty is suitable for a walk to a former Roman road that once connected Saint-Étienne-du-Grès and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. The historical context refers to the former link between the two towns. This walk offers a way to follow a route with a specific historical connection, without implying any information about its length or walking time.

The Fête de la Saint Lambert takes place over three days on the last weekend of August. The programme includes Camargue races, pétanque competitions, a large aioli meal and folk dances. As the specific annual programme relates to a particular weekend, check the latest dates and events before travelling. This makes the festival a distinct occasion to take into account when planning your stay.

Discover more destinations: Châteauneuf-Le-Rouge, Auriol, Charleval, Orgon, Plan-D'orgon, Ensuès-La-Redonne, La Ciotat, Ceyreste.

For the broader travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.