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France > France regions > Provence > Bouches-du-Rhone > Baux-de-Provence

Baux-de-Provence

Baux de Provence ('most beautiful villages of Provence') is 20 km south of Avignon

Tourist Information and places to visit

The real highlight of Baux-de-Provence is in its great location - nestling in the Alpilles mountains it has great views across the plains that stretch to the south, and on to the Mediterranean beyond, as well as the attractive rocky landscape of the alpilles themselves. It is a typical 'Provence perched village'

The drive up to the village is also very scenic.

The village has a long and colourful history, dating back some 8000 years. It was the scene of many troubles during the Middle Ages, resulting at one stage with Cardinal Richelieu ordering that the castle be demolished, as a punishment for harbouring protestant insurgents.

The ruined castle - the Chateau of Baux-de-Provence - sits on top of a rocky outcrop above the village, and is now heavily promoted as one of the great monuments of Provence. You can tour the ruins of the castle, then relax and enjoy the views that stretch as far as the Mediterranean while the children look at the recreations of medieval weapons and siege machines.

The village that we now see largely dates from the 15th-16th centuries. Steep cobbled streets lead you through the grey houses, onwards and upwards until you reach the entrance to the castle.

En route through the (pedestrianised) village you pass a couple of atractive viewpoints - the best is perhaps the one next to the penitents chapel. You also pass a great deal of cafes and gift shops, which have consumed Baux-de-Provence (like some other Provencal villages) to the extent that it is quite hard to get a feeling for what the village was like before it became a tourist attraction.

Baux-de-Provence has no native industry and only about 20 residents (it was once home to several thousand), but is a very popular tourist stop, especially during the summer - if possible try and visit early morning, evening or out of season to see the village at its magnificent best.

Visit Les Baux de Provence, France: travel, tourism, gites and hotels

Baux de Provence, Provence
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Places to visit - Baux-de-Provence

Any places listed above are within about 20-25 km (as the crow flies)

 

Information and photos

This travel guide has information, holidays and photos of Baux-de-Provence when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.

 


 

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