Les Baux-de-Provence

Where it is & how to get there

• By car: About 30 minutes from Avignon or Arles; paid car parks below the village.
• Bus: Seasonal buses from Arles and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
• Tours: Provence day tours often combine Les Baux, Saint-Rémy and Arles.

The story of Les Baux-de-Provence

In the Middle Ages the powerful Lords of Baux ruled a large part of Provence from this rocky spur, claiming descent from Balthazar, one of the Three Kings. Their fortress was so strong that in 1632 Louis XIII had it dismantled to stop it being used in rebellions.

The aluminium ore bauxite was first identified here in 1821 and named after the village. Its old quarries now host the Carrières des Lumières, where giant projections of famous paintings cover the walls with music, an experience opened in 2012.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Book the Carrières des Lumières in advance in summer.
• Book Carrières des Lumières tickets online in high season.
• Bring a jacket into the quarry, as it stays cool all year.

What's around Les Baux-de-Provence

• Carrières des LumièresImmersive art in a vast limestone quarry.
• Château des BauxThe ruined fortress with sweeping views.
• Saint-Rémy-de-ProvenceMarket town where Van Gogh painted, 15 minutes away.
• ArlesRoman arena and Van Gogh sites, 25 minutes away.

Questions travellers ask