The Civadières with a Mountain bike
Leave Aureille, a typical Provencal village between Alpilles and Crau, then climb into the heart of the massif and flirt with its limestone landscapes. La Caume, Calans, Opies and of course the Civadières ... so many reliefs to admire, to have the full view!
6 points of interest
Patrimony and historyNotre Dame de l'Assomption
Once you have reached Aureille, I invite you to make a detour in the center of the village to admire the church of Notre Dame de l’Assomption. The construction of this neo-Romanesque church was initiated by the parish priest, named Father Pauleau, who arrived in 1867 at Aureille. The first stone was laid by the Archbishop of Aix, George Chalandon, on 31 March of that year. His plans are the work of the architect Auguste Veran from Arles.
GeologyLimestone Benches
Following the tectonic pressures of the Eurasian and African plates, and the pleating of the rocks that it created, the Alpilles massif allows to find visible geological strata, called "limestone bench". These strata each correspond to a more or less homogeneous sedimentary set which has formed over many years between two parallel surfaces. These surfaces ;correspond mostly to rapid environmental variations.
Produits du terroirThe Mas of the Vallongue
Located at the south-eastern end of the crests of the Alpilles, the Vallongue estate has a surface of 38 hectares on which are produced wines and olive oils. These vineyards have been grown organically since 1985. Reds, rosés and whites benefit from the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Les Baux de Provence and the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Alpilles de la Vallongue, witnesses of a real know-how.
FaunaThe Dartford warbler
If you see the Kermes oak trees around you, keep an eye out, and the right one! As you could probably see the Dartford Warbler, characterized by its eye circled in red, fond of Kermes oaks. This species has little adaptability, making it dependent on the Mediterranean natural environment and vegetation of low altitude and high density. An insect-eating bird, it also seems to feed on plant material during the harshest season. Do not disturb it!
- Fauna
Short-toed snake eagle
Returning from the Sahara for the summer period, the short-toed snake eagle Jean-in-the-blank, Circaetus gallicus, is a raptor with a wingspan of 1.80 m and he can weigh up to 2 kilos. He has the top of the brown wings and the white underside. Its body is dotted with colorful spots, colour and density depending on the individual (between light beige and dark brown). It hovers for a long time in the manner of vultures to hunt its prey, mainly reptiles!
- Produits du terroir
The olive tree
Emblematic culture of the territory of the Alpilles, the olive tree is the symbol of the dry Mediterranean climate. Its multiple trunks are the result of a release at the strain level following a significant frost in 1956. Today, some of the olives and oils produced in the Alpilles are recognized nationally and internationally, benefiting from the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).
Description
From the parking, return on the D25a. Take it on the right towards Eygalières and turn left on the Estandedou road. At the intersection stay on the right, Saint-Jean path, until the end of the houses
1- Follow the GR® on the right. Take the path on the left at the junction and continue for 4 km until the D24 road, leaving on the sides the paths encountered.
2- Cross the D24 and take a path that goes right up to a collar Go past a wide path that goes to the left and take a path down and parallel to the road.
3- Go up on the D24, pass the small stone bridge and in the bend take the path on the right. At the next crossroads, stay to the left. Just after, climb left and pass a barrier.
4- Continue on this path to another barrier. There, turn left to join the D25a. Get off on the road until after the rocky bars and take the first path on the left.
5- Walk along the fence and the olive trees to a stool. Continue, then at the next junction, turn right twice. Pass an oratory, take the D25a on the left and join Aureille and the starting point.
- Departure : Stadium parking, Aureille
- Arrival : Aureille
- Towns crossed : Aureille, Mouriès, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, and Eygalières
Forecast
Altimetric profile
Recommandations
For your safety, and for the preservation of forest areas, access to natural areas is regulated from June to September. Inquire during the summer period on 08 11 20 13 13 (price of a local call) or on www.bouches-du-rhone.pref.gouv.fr Download the application for free MYPROVENCE ENVIE DE BALADE (available on Appstore and Android Market).
Information desks
House of the Alpilles Regional Nature Park
2, boulevard Marceau, 13210 Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Located in the heart of the city centre of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the House of the Alpilles Nature Park welcomes you to its completely renovated premises. This new vibrant place is multifunctional: it accommodates the Park's engineering team but also has a public reception space and showrooms. A true resource centre of the Park's heritage, it aims to support and promote locals, visitors and tourists on all 16 municipalities of the Park.
Open Monday to Friday, from 9 am at 12:30 pm and from 1:30 pm to 5 pm.
Free admission.
OTI Alpilles-en-Provence
Place Jean Jaurès, 13210 Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Transport
Consult the timetables for the municipality of Aureille on the site www.lepilote.com
Access and parking
8 km from Mouriès by the D17 then the D25A..
Parking :
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