Baux-de-Provence travel guide
Visit Baux-de-Provence (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France)
Photo Gallery Book a visitLes Baux-de-Provence is a village 20 kilometres south of Avignon in Provence and within the Regional Natural Park of the Alpilles. Said to be the most visited village in France, apparently two million visitors a year crowd on to the streets of Baux-de-Provence. It is listed among the 'most beautiful villages of France', which will come as no surprise if you have ever visited and certainly deserves the accolade.
The village has a long and colourful history, with traces of occupation dating back some 8000 years. Little is known of the prehistoric occupation but in more recent centuries Baux was the scene of many troubles during the Middle Ages, resulting in Cardinal Richelieu ordering that the castle be demolished as a punishment for harbouring protestant insurgents.
Exploring Les Baux-de-Provence
France This Way review: as well as the village - listed among our top five villages in Provence - a major highlight of Baux-de-Provence is 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.
There is also a very impressive castle and the Carrières de Lumières to visit in the village, so allow a full day for a visit.
Les Baux-de-Provence is a typical 'Provence perched village' and the drive up to the village is very scenic. The village is pedestrianised: on arriving you can park just outside the northern end of the village. You enter Baux-de-Provence through the Porte Mage gate, a 19th century gateway through the village ramparts.
Baux-de-Provence tourist office is just inside the entrance to the village, in a building dating from 1499 and originally the centre for legal affairs in the village, called the King's House. Ask for the plan of the village in the tourist office before exploring. The village that you visit today largely dates from the 15th-16th centuries.
There is plenty to see in the village itself including the parts of the ramparts that are still in place, small chapels and the Porte d'Eyguieres which is the original entrance into the town: it was the only entrance until the second half of the 19th century, and is also the starting point for the path that follows around the outside of the ramparts.
The most important museum in Les Baux-de-Provence is on the right about 100 metres after you enter the village: the Musée des Santons exhibits numerous figurines made in Naples in the 17th and 18th century that represent traditional Provencal costumes and a Christmas crib. The building which contains the museum has had many uses over the centuries, including being the Town Hall for the village for many years.
Although we mention some of the individual historic monuments that you will see in Les Baux-de-Provence, to be honest even if you knew nothing at all about any of them you would still love the village just because of its character and the great viewpoints...still, better to be informed about the history
Continue along the Rue de la Calade passed the Porte d'Eyguieres and after a while you reach the centre of the village, with two small squares, the Church of Saint-Vincent and the Chapel of the Penitents Blancs.
The 12th century Church of Saint-Vincent is in roman style but also has a renaissance extension added in the 17th century and modern stained glass windows installed in 1960. The 17th century chapel contains frescoes added in 1974 and represents a traditional Christmas for the Provençal shepherds.
Also here on the Place François de Herain you can see a lovely 16th century town house called the Hôtel de Porcelet with leaded windows: inside you can see a room decorated with 17th century frescoes as well as the Yves Brayer Museum. If you have bought a ticket which allows entry to the Carrieres and the Castle, entrance to this museum is also included in the price.
Along the Rue de l'Eglise and passing the Place Prince Rainier III de Monaco you reach one of the most curious monuments in Les Baux-de-Provence, a large renaissance style window that is all that remains of a 16th century villa, and bears the inscription "Post Tenebras Lux" ("After Darkness, Light"). Opposite you can see the Hotel de Manville, another very impressive 16th century townhouse.
From here you can follow the road that continues towards the castle that stands on the hill above Les Baux-de-Provence.
En route through the village you also pass a couple of attractive viewpoints - the best is perhaps the one from the Place Saint-Vincent next to the Penitents Chapel - although the very best views are from inside the grounds of the castle. You will also see a great deal of cafes and gift shops, an unavoidable consequence of the enormous popularity of the village.
Chateau of Baux-de-Provence
The ruined castle - the Chateau of Baux-de-Provence - sits on top of a rocky outcrop above the village and is one of the most popular attractions in Provence. You don't realise how large the castle grounds are until you enter, but the chateau occupies about seven hectares - it is as large as the village - and there are lots of ruined walls and towers to evoke the history of the place, as well as a small 12th century chapel.
You enter the grounds of the castle compound via the 14th century Tour-de-Brau and explore the ruins of the castle, then relax and enjoy the views that stretch as far as the Mediterranean. There are also a series of recreations of medieval weapons and siege machines that are popular with children.
See the Chateau of Baux-de-Provence for details.
Les Baux-de-Provence also has a couple of other small museums of passing interest. At the entrance to the castle you can visit the Museum of History of Les Baux-de-Provence while the Fondation Louis Jou (in Hotel Brion on Grande Rue) features medieval books and engravings by such illustrious names as Durer and Goya.
Attractions nearby
After exploring the village and castle we suggest you follow the road that leaves Baux-de-Provence from the north towards Maillane (it's not far, an easy walk) to reach the Carrieres de Lumiere (also known as the Cathédrale d'Images). The Carrieres de Lumieres are an ancient quarry that is now used for regular exhibitions with artworks projected against the quarry walls and music, a real spectacle of light and sound.
The spectacle changes each year: we have visited on two different occasions and both were very memorable. See Carrières de Lumières in Baux-de-Provence for information.
Keep walking just a short distance beyond the Carrieres de Lumiere and there is another exceptional viewpoint across the valley.
You can find more travel ideas in the Bouches-du-Rhone guide and the Provence guide.
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Map of Baux-de-Provence and places nearby
Visit near Baux-de-Provence with France This Way reviews
Château des Baux-de-Provence
The Château des Baux-de-Provence is a remarkable ruined castle above the village of Les Baux-de-Provence, with amazing views across the Alpilles
Château des Baux-de-Provence guide
Carrières de Lumières in Baux-de-Provence
The Carrieres de Lumieres is a sound and light spectacle based around famous artists works, in the village of Les Baux-de-Provence
Carrières de Lumières in Baux-de-Provence guide
Saint-Remy-de-Provence
The historic monuments here are a testament to St-Remy-de-Provence's claim to be one of the oldest towns in France, and the time that Van Gogh spent here is also celebrated
Saint-Remy-de-Provence guide
Fontvieille
This town near Arles has a small historic centre to explore when you are passing
Fontvieille guide
Tarascon
Tarascon is a pleasant town with a substantial castle on the Rhone river, well placed for exploring the region around Arles and Avignon
Tarascon guide
Chateau de Tarascon
The Chateau de Tarascon is an imposing 15th century castle on the banks of the Rhone
Chateau de Tarascon guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Bouches-du-Rhone
Tourist classifications for Baux-de-Provence
Baux-de-Provence is classified as a one of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages)
Address: Baux-de-Provence, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Arles, Provence, 13520, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 43.743, longitude 4.7948
Plan your visit to Baux-de-Provence, Bouches-du-Rhone
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Alpilles: regional natural parc (3 km)
- Glanum: national monument (6 km)
- Montmajour Abbey: national monument (11 km)
- Abbaye Notre Dame de Montmajour (Arles): religious monument (11 km)
- Jardin aquatique « Aux fleurs de l'eau: remarkable garden (12 km)
- Jardin de l'Alchimiste: remarkable garden (13 km)
- Beaucaire: recommended detour (14 km)
- Arles: secteur sauvegarde (15 km)
- Arles église St Honorat (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (15 km)
- Roman Arles: heritage site (15 km)
- Eglise et cloitres de Saint Trophime, Eglise de Saint-Honorat des Alycamps (Arles): religious monument (15 km)
- Avignon: secteur sauvegarde (22 km)
The French version of this page is at Baux-de-Provence (Francais)