Saint-Rémy-de-Provence 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.
94°F
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.
Best Things to Do in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence#
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Saint-Rémy-de-Provence Bucket List#
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.
June - August
20 to 32°C (68 to 90°F)
Scorching, crowded summers fill terraces and markets; excellent for provençal festivals and lavender if you time July, but expect high prices and searing afternoons.
March - May & September - November
12 to 24°C (54 to 75°F)
Ideal visiting window-mild days, blooming fields, manageable crowds, and pleasant evenings for wine, markets, and exploring Roman ruins and local art museums.
December - February
2 to 12°C (36 to 54°F)
Quiet, olive-harvest season with misty mornings and discounted stays; museums and cafés are open, though many tourist services slow down.
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#
Use Avignon or Arles as your rail/bus gateway and then a short bus or taxi to Saint‑Rémy. If you plan to explore multiple Provençal villages, rent a car; otherwise regional trains + buses and bikes work well.
- Regional train + bus (€5-€25 (regional onward segment)) - Take a TGV/TER to Avignon or Arles, then a local bus or short taxi to Saint‑Rémy. Trains are fast to Avignon; the onward bus is typically 20-35 minutes. This is a good balance of speed and cost for travellers without a car.
- Taxi / Transfer (€30-€140) - Taxis from Avignon, Arles or Marseille airports provide door-to-door service to Saint‑Rémy; useful with luggage or on a tight schedule. Expect taxi fares from Avignon/Arles ~€30-€60, from Marseille airport substantially higher (~€90-€140).
- Car hire (€40-€90/day (typical)) - A rental car is the most flexible way to explore the Alpilles and surrounding villages - roads are good and parking in Saint‑Rémy is available though busy in summer. Recommended if you plan multiple villages and wineries in one trip.
- Bicycle (€10-€30/day) - Saint‑Rémy is an excellent base for cycling in the Alpilles; quiet country lanes and marked routes make for rewarding rides. Many local businesses rent bikes and e-bikes; a great choice for active travellers.
- Walking - The small town centre and nearby Roman sites and countryside trails are best explored on foot. Walking gives access to markets, cafés and short hikes around the Alpilles.
Where to Stay in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence#
Town centre - $50-110/night
Saint-Rémy has several affordable guesthouses and small hotels. Budget rooms are comfortable but limited during summer and fairs.
Hôtel de Tourrel (Saint-Rémy) - Simple, well-located budget rooms
Local guesthouses and B&Bs - Small family-run rooms in town
Town centre - $120-220/night
Mid-range choices offer Provençal character and convenient walking access to markets, restaurants and attractions in town.
Hôtel du Soleil - Classic Provençal hotel in town centre
Le Vallon de Valrugues & SPA - Comfortable rooms with spa access
Saint-Rémy / Les Baux area - $250+/night
True luxury hotels are around nearby Les Baux or in country estates; Saint-Rémy itself has some boutique high-end addresses but fewer big resorts.
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#
Market town with bistros and terrace cafés serving olive oil-rich dishes, tapenade, aioli and regional lamb. Market produce shapes simple, aromatic menus.
Weekly Provençal markets supply fruits, olives and herbs; cafés are ideal for people-watching and sampling local cheeses, tarts and freshly baked goods.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Saint-Rémy-de-Provence’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
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.
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.
