Les Baux de Provence
15 km from Arles via the D17 and 25 km from Avignon via the D27.
Les Baux-de-Provence: an exceptional village in the heart of the Alpilles mountains
Les Baux-de-Provence is a must-see in Provence, and well worth a visit. This perched village, ranked among the most beautiful in France, offers total immersion in the history of this medieval Provencal town.
Situated at the foot of the Alpilles mountains, Les Baux will surprise you with its impressive citadel, authentic streets and breathtaking panoramas. Every stone tells a story in this place where time seems to have stood still. From visiting the castle to discovering the Carrières de Lumières and sampling the local gastronomy, your stay in Les Baux-de-Provence will be filled with memorable experiences. This guide will help you prepare your trip in an original way, so you don't miss a thing of this jewel of the Parc Naturel Régional des Alpilles.
One of France's most beautiful villages
Listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, the village has been patiently restored with great care. Today, it boasts an exceptional historical heritage, with a treasure trove of 22 listed architectural features: church, château, town hall, hospital, chapels, houses, gates... not to mention furniture and a collection of paintings. It's one of the region's most popular tourist attractions.
Visit the village
The village can be visited (happily) exclusively on foot, where you can admire old houses restored with taste and talent, beautiful Renaissance facades and some magnificent mansions, most of which are home to art galleries and museums. At the entrance to the village, you can visit the Musée d'Histoire des Baux, which explains village life and history over the centuries. As you stroll through the village, you'll come across numerous craft workshops and stores selling Provencal products. If you're a gourmet, you'll know that Les Baux is home to a number of internationally renowned restaurants, so you'll find it hard to resist!
Tourist activities in Les Baux de Provence
During your stay in Les Baux de Provence, here are a few must-sees:
Les “Carrières des Lumières” (Careers of Light)
Just outside the village, don't miss the “Carrières de Lumières”, a permanent audiovisual extravaganza projected onto 4,000m² of rock faces. At the moment, a discovery of Monet's works is simply fabulous!
The "Carrières des Lumières" offer an incomparable sensory experience. These former limestone quarries have now been transformed into an immersive exhibition space that revolutionizes our relationship with art. A truly exceptional experience!
The Citadel of Les Baux
The Citadelle des Baux at the far end of the village is a must-see. The 7-hectare site features the main relics of Les Baux de Provence's tumultuous past: ruins of the medieval castle, castral chapel, displays of siege machinery, keep and Saracen tower. It's the amazing story of Provence told in a vast setting of stone and rock. You'll be enthralled by its exceptional character and its many points of interest (you'll also discover an audiovisual on Van Gogh)
Visit wineries around Les Baux
During your stay in Les Baux de Provence, don't forget to visit the wineries around the commune. There are some excellent guided tours, followed by wine tastings. A fun and educational way to discover the region's beautiful wineries. Here's one we particularly recommend :
Nestled in the heart of the Alpilles mountain range, the Domaine du Vallon des Glauges extends over a majestic and wild territory. It is a magical place that connects the site of Eyguières to Baux-de-Provence and extends from the foot of Mont Menu to the Tour des Opies. Guided tour and tasting at the estate.
All our photos of Les Baux
At the bottom of this page you'll find a slideshow of photos taken by our team in Les Baux de Provence. This will give you an idea of the beauty and atmosphere of the village. We hope it will also inspire you to come and spend a vacation here!
What to see
Carrières des Lumières.
Porte d'Eyguieres.
16th century hôtel Jean De Brion (Fondation Louis Jou, engraver-typographer).
16th century Hôtel De Manville (Town hall and museum).
16th century Hôtel des Porcelet (Yves Brayer museum).
12th and 16th century church Saint Vincent..
Musée du Château (reconstruction of Baux from prehistoric times to today).
Olive museum.
Santon Museum.
Leisure activities
Hiking, horse-riding and mountain biking.
9-hole golf course, tennis and swimming pool.
Numerous cultural exhibitions, arts and crafts and summer festivals.
Hotels
Intimate, cheerfully refined and relaxed. The chic of a 4-star hotel, without the stuffiness, but with the warmth of a guest house. The perfect place to get together as a duo, with family or friends, and share rare moments.
Holiday rentals
Rental air-conditioned independent house 47m² on one level for 2 people classified 4 *. Private terrace. Swimming pool. Fenced wooded park 1500m². 200 m from the center of St Rémy and quiet.
Accomodations
Hotels.
Bed and breakfast.
Holiday rentals.
Your questions about the village of Les Baux
After writing this guide to Les Baux de Provence, you sent us several questions. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.
The best restaurants in Les Baux-de-Provence?
Les Baux-de-Provence and the surrounding area are full of excellent addresses to suit all budgets. L'Oustau de Baumanière is without doubt the most famous restaurant in the area. This double Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurant offers creative cuisine that sublimates Mediterranean flavors. The dishes are as beautiful as they are good, and the service is impeccable. For a more casual but equally delicious experience, head to Domaine de Manville. Their talented chef works with local, seasonal produce in a warm atmosphere. You'll be able to enjoy dishes that highlight the exceptional quality of Les Baux olive oil. Don't leave the region without taking part in an olive oil tasting at one of the many olive estates in the area. These moments of gustatory discovery will enable you to appreciate the subtle differences between local productions. It's the perfect way to understand the importance of the olive tree in the culture and economy of Les Baux.
How do I get to Les Baux-de-Provence?
Located 15 km from Arles and 25 km from Avignon, Les Baux is easily accessible by car. From Marseille, it's about an hour's drive via the A7 freeway, then the D5 and D27. If you're coming from Avignon, the journey is shorter (around 35 minutes), taking the D570N then the D27. The winding roads leading to the village already offer a foretaste of the magnificent scenery that awaits you.
What's the climate like in Les Baux-de-Provence in autumn?
This season is ideal for discovering the village without the summer crowds. Autumn in Provence is particularly mild, making excursions a pleasure. In September and October, average daytime temperatures fluctuate between 15°C and 22°C. Mornings can be cool (around 10°C), so bring warm clothing for your morning visits. The village enjoys generous sunshine even at this time of year.
The fascinating history of Les Baux-de-Provence
The history of Les Baux-de-Provence goes back thousands of years. This exceptional site was first occupied in prehistoric times, before becoming a strategic stronghold during Antiquity and the Middle Ages. In the 12th century, the powerful family of the Lords of Les Baux reigned over a large part of Provence. Their motto “Au hasard Balthazar” (“By chance Balthazar”) and their coat of arms with its sixteen-rayed star still bear witness to their considerable influence. These feudal lords even claimed descent from the Magi King Balthazar. The medieval village reached its apogee between the 12th and 16th centuries. The town became a radiant cultural center, where troubadours and poets were generously welcomed. The history of the House of Les Baux came to an abrupt end, however, when the fief became part of the French crown. In 1632, Louis XIII ordered the destruction of the fortress to put an end to the rebellions. Numerous vestiges remain, however, including the former Saint-Blaise chapel and the defensive towers. This rich architectural heritage still tells of the eventful history of this hilltop town, which has survived the centuries despite war and turmoil.
NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES
Maussane les Apilles (5km) and Saint Rémy de Provence (8km).