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Les Baux-de-Provence
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Les Baux-de-Provence is a captivating historic village perched on a rocky plateau in the heart of the Alpilles mountains in Provence. Its history was dominated by the powerful Lords of Baux, who ruled over vast territories in the Middle Ages and claimed descent from one of the Biblical Magi. The fortress was considered impregnable for centuries until it was ordered to be dismantled in the 17th century by Cardinal Richelieu to suppress local noble rebellions. Today, visitors can wander through the expansive ruins of the castle, view reconstructed medieval siege engines, and visit the historic Church of Saint-Vincent. The village notably gave its name to the ore bauxite, which was first discovered here in 1821.
- Location: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
- Top sights: Le moulin · Plan dallé · Esplanade du château
- Nearby: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 8 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 18 | 22 | 25 | 25 | 21 | 17 | 12 | 8 |
| Rain mm | 45 | 35 | 38 | 47 | 43 | 28 | 16 | 21 | 54 | 73 | 87 | 45 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Les Baux-de-Provence is a historic village with an extensive castle ruin open to visitors. Entry to the village is free, the castle ruin has an admission fee.
Typical hours
The castle ruin is typically open daily, with exact hours varying by season. Shorter hours in winter, longer in summer.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site. The viewing platforms offer spectacular panoramas of the Provencal landscape.
Time needed
Allow at least two to three hours to explore the village and castle ruins. If you also wander the narrow streets and museums, allow more time.
Combine with
Combine your trip with the nearby Alpilles mountains or the city of Arles with its Roman monuments. Lavender fields in summer are also worth a detour.
Getting there
Les Baux-de-Provence is accessible by car, with large parking lots at the village entrance. From there, you walk or take a shuttle into the village.
Insider tip
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. The midday heat in summer can be uncomfortable, so bring water.
Geography
Facts
- The fortress is situated on a rocky outcrop at 245 meters altitude.
- The mineral bauxite was discovered here and named in 1821.
- The castle ruins cover an expansive area of seven hectares.
- The fortress was ordered to be destroyed in 1632 by Richelieu.
- The Lords of Baux featured the Star of Bethlehem in their coat of arms.
- Les Baux is officially classified among the most beautiful villages.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Les Baux-de-Provence (10)
Esplanade du château
Esplanade in front of the castle in Les Baux-de-Provence.
Église Saint-Vincent
Church in Les Baux-de-Provence.
Musée Yves Brayer🏛 museum
Museum in Les Baux-de-Provence.
Musée des Santons🏛 museum
Museum in France.
Table d'orientation des Baux
Orientation table in Les Baux-de-Provence.
Château d'Escanin🏰 castle
Castle in Les Baux-de-Provence.
Le Grenier à Olives🏛 museum
Museum in Les Baux-de-Provence.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What can you see at Château des Baux?
The ruins of a giant fortress and replicas of medieval siege engines.
What are the Carrières des Lumières?
A former quarry where spectacular light and music shows take place.
Is the site easily walkable?
There are many steep, cobbled streets; comfortable shoes are a must.
Is the view worth it?
Yes, from the plateau you have a fantastic view over the Alpilles and the valley.
Does parking cost money?
Yes, the parking lots at the foot of the village are mostly paid.
Les Baux-de-Provence: where is it located?
Les Baux-de-Provence is located in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France.
Les Baux-de-Provence: what is there to see?
Highlights include Le moulin, Plan dallé, Esplanade du château.
Les Baux-de-Provence: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Les Baux-de-Provence: why is it worth visiting?
Les Baux-de-Provence is a captivating historic village perched on a rocky plateau in the heart of the Alpilles mountains in Provence.
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