Saint-Rémy-de-Provence Travel Guide
City City in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
Olive groves and limestone Alpilles surround Saint-Rémy, where Roman ruins at Glanum and Van Gogh’s asylum are easy to visit. Markets, Provençal cafés and horseback rides across sunbaked fields draw the same slow crowd each summer.
Why Visit Saint-Rémy-de-Provence? #
In the heart of Provence, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence draws people for its Provençal markets, olive oils and sunlit stone streets rather than flashy attractions. Roman ruins at Glanum and Van Gogh’s nearby asylum at Saint-Paul-de-Mausole anchor the town’s artistic and ancient sides, while the weekly market fills with lavender, local cheeses and ratatouille-ready vegetables. It’s an ideal base for those seeking the flavors, light and slower rhythm of rural Provence.
Top Things to Do in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
All Attractions ›- Saint-Paul-de-Mausole (Van Gogh asylum) - Monastic asylum where Van Gogh painted; exhibits and reconstructed patient rooms.
- Glanum archaeological site (Les Antiques) - Roman and pre-Roman ruins including mausoleum and triumphal arch near town.
- Place du Forum market - Lively Provençal market selling local produce, crafts and regional specialties weekly.
- Musée Estrine - Museum dedicated to Van Gogh and local modern art in a quiet townhouse.
- Van Gogh walking trail - Self-guided route tracing scenes painted by Van Gogh around Saint-Rémy streets and countryside.
- Roman quarry at Les Baux-de-Provence - Ancient quarry and dramatic cliffs offering quiet walks and views of the Alpilles.
- Les Baux-de-Provence - Hilltop village built into rocky outcrop with castle ruins, art and panoramic vistas.
- Avignon - Papal Palais, medieval bridge and lively festivals reachable by short regional journey.
Best Time to Visit Saint-Rémy-de-Provence #
Visit Saint-Rémy-de-Provence in spring or early autumn for blooming landscapes, mild temperatures, and fewer crowds. Summer is hot and busy; winter is quieter and great for lower rates and local life.
Best Time to Visit Saint-Rémy-de-Provence #
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (737 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 26 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (119 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Saint‑Rémy‑de‑Provence is easiest reached via Avignon or Arles by regional train and bus; Marseille Airport is the nearest large international hub. Renting a car is popular for Provence but public transport connections are regular and suitable for day trips.
Marseille Provence Airport (MRS): Marseille is the largest nearby airport (about 70-80 km). From MRS you can rent a car or take a taxi (drive ~1-1.5 hours to Saint-Rémy; taxi fares commonly €90-€140). Shuttle buses and trains from the airport connect to Marseille and Avignon where you change for regional connections.
Avignon - Caumont / Avignon TGV (AVN / AVN TGV): Avignon is closer (about 20-30 km) - Avignon TGV and Avignon centre have regular TER and bus links to Saint-Rémy. From Avignon centre a regional bus or short taxi ride reaches Saint‑Rémy in ~20-30 minutes; fares typically €2-€8.
Train: The closest major railheads are Avignon (Gare d’Avignon TGV / Avignon Centre) and Arles (Gare d’Arles). From either station take a regional bus or taxi to Saint‑Rémy (bus trips ~20-35 minutes). Train fares to Avignon/Arles vary by origin and type (TGV vs TER).
Bus: Regional TER buses and local lines connect Avignon/Arles with Saint‑Rémy; single fares are modest (usually a few euros) and journey times from Avignon or Arles are in the 20-40 minute range depending on route.
How to Get Around Saint-Rémy-de-Provence #
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence has a compact centre that’s pleasant to explore on foot; most sights, cafés and shops are within a short walk. Regional buses link the town with Avignon and other Provençal destinations, though timetables can be sparse outside summer. A car is useful for exploring nearby Roman sites, vineyards and the Alpilles countryside; bikes are popular for short rides and rentals are widely available in town.
Where to Stay in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence #
- Hôtel de Tourrel (Saint-Rémy) - Simple, well-located budget rooms
- Local guesthouses and B&Bs - Small family-run rooms in town
- Hôtel du Soleil - Classic Provençal hotel in town centre
- Le Vallon de Valrugues & SPA - Comfortable rooms with spa access
- La Bastide de Baumanière (Les Baux) - Historic luxury near Saint-Rémy
- Luxury country house hotels nearby - Upscale countryside manor experiences
Where to Eat in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Saint-Rémy-de-Provence's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence #
Evenings in Saint-Rémy are relaxed: wine bars, cafés and restaurant terraces fill up in summer but late-night clubbing is rare. Seasonal events and occasional live-music nights add variety during high season.
Shopping in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence #
Saint-Rémy offers Provençal shopping - boutiques, artisan food shops and markets selling olive oil, lavender products and local specialties. Small antiques dealers and gallery shops are scattered through the centre, especially during market days and the tourist season.