© Seeprovence.com
© Seeprovence.com
© Seeprovence.com
© Seeprovence.com
© Seeprovence.com
© _SeeProvence
Stunning medieval village with the best castle in Provence
You shouldn't let the lines of parked cars put you off stopping at Les Baux de Provence. This is one of the loveliest hilltop villages you'll come across, and it's worth the fight through the crowds to take a look. Ideally, don't come in midsummer, otherwise you will be sharing every nook and cranny with a thousand other tourists.
Les Baux dates back to the Middle Ages when its awesome castle was used to control and protect the surrounding area.
Today the narrow streets are filled with gift shops, art galleries, gourmet food shops and cafés. It's a very pretty place full of olde worlde charme. I guess some may call it twee, but without this restoration, the village would have been unlikely to survive into the 21st century, and Provence would have been a lesser place to visit.
In Provence, the department of the Var is the place to look for chestnuts. The Var village of Collobrières regards itself as chestnut capital of the world and in late October it's time for the chestnut festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from near and far.
Read our Provence markets page to find out which market to visit when in Provence. From the vibrant array of local produce to the delightful scent of freshly baked delicacies, visiting a Provencal market is an absolute must for anyone exploring the charms of Provence.
Head to the Avenue de la Rabasse in Richerenches for the famous Saturday truffle markets, which take place from November to March every year.
Uchaux is the venue for this series of summer concerts that celebrates the music of Liszt. Set in the fabulous grounds of Chateau Saint Esteve, the venue could not be more magical or romantic.
An annual agricultural fair, the Foire de la Saint Siffrein is named after the saint who resided in Carpentras during the 7th century. Plenty of local produce is available in the market and the wine fair is one of the largest in the area (and not restricted to wines from Provence).
In the Middle Ages, Les Baux was a fortress of castle and dwellings, from which the Lords of Baux aggressively controlled their many properties (towns and villages) in Provence. For a while they considered themselves to be the sole rulers in Provence, which was not appreciated by the count of Provence. The Baux Lords were warriors and liked to meddle in other disputes. But they also established a court of love in Les Baux, attracting troubadours and beautiful ladies. Chivalry and feud lived side by side.
In the late Middle Ages, the lords of Les Baux began to lose their power, weakened by the endless wars and disputes they were involved in. Finally their dynasty came to an end with the death of princess Alix de Baux. After a few shuffles of ownership, Les Baux fell to the French King. In the 16th and 17th century the village and castle attracted protestants from all around; it was an ideal hiding place for the persecuted. However, the hatred for everything catholic was so strong that the protestant newcomers destroyed the opulent interior of the castle.
In 1632 Richelieu had enough of this lawlessness and had the castle and ramparts demolished, which the population itself had to pay for. It was the death knell for Les Baux. In 1642 the King gave the fortified town to the Grimaldis (of Monaco), but they never bothered with it. Gradually, it became a ghost town with half a dozen vagabonds, outnumbered by stray dogs. Even the discovery of bauxite in the 19th century (named after the town) nearby did little to raise its fortunes.
However, everything changed in the 20th century, particularly with the efforts of Raymond Thuiler, owner of the luxury hotel Oustaù de Baumanière in the nearby Val d'Enfer (Hell's Valley). The village underwent many renovations, and the castle is still currently under restoration.
The main attraction here is the castle, and you can read more about it on our page Château des Baux. It really is worth the entrance fee - if you're bringing the family, have a look at the château's website to find out their calendar of events and plan your trip accordingly. If you're not so bothered about participating in medieval shows and catapult demonstrations, try to visit outside July and August so that you have space to breathe and to explore the ruins.
There are two churches in the village. Notre Dame du Chateau (12th - 16th century) is within the castle grounds and the old 12th century priory, St Vincents was built into the rocks on the southern side. It features a ribbed barrel vault in the nave, modern stained glass windows (by Max Ingrand), and a funeral chapel with Gothic vaulting.
On your way up to the castle, you'll pass an old isolated stone window façade. It's all that is left of a 16th century mansion, the Manville Residence. It bears an inscription 'Post Tenebras Lux 1571', a Calvinist saying meaning 'After the darkness, light', and is a reminder of the Huguenot influence of that time. Other mansions from the 16th and 17th centuries have been turned into art galleries - the Musée Yves Brayer features paintings of Provençal landscapes by the said artist, and the Musée des Santons holds a large collection of Christmas figurines. The town hall can be found in one of the most impressive 16th century Renaissance houses, the Hotel de Manville.
On the outskirts of Les Baux is the unique cultural space of Les Carrieres de Lumieres. A disused quarry, it is now used to show audio-visual art installations, featuring artists such as Monet, Chagall, Renoir and Van Gogh. Check their website to find out the latest exhibitions.
The area round Les Baux de Provence is renowned for its olives and olive oils, and vineyards, and there are several who offer guided visits and tastings - check at the tourist office for details.
Opened in 1991, the Yves Brayer Museum displays a hundred or so canvas paintings, watercolours and drawings representative of the artist's work.
Originally a stone quarry, the Carrieres de Lumieres has been transformed into a backdrop for a stunning audio visual show, where images are projected on to the walls and the floor. Each year a different artist and theme is chosen to lead the display.
This is one of the best castles we have ever visited, and not just in France! Situated on a rocky outcrop, this fantastic medieval castle has a strong military background, where it was used in the defence of the realm of Provence.
This is one of three churches in the old village of Les Baux and has been built partly into the rock face behind it.
This large natural area envelops 16 small towns and villages between the Luberon and the Camargue, not far from Arles.
Fine regional cuisine by a Michelin-star experienced chef, made only with fresh local produce. Located at the Domaine de Manville Hotel.
Head chef Michel Hulin uses fresh produce from the restaurant's extensive organic kitchen garden, as well as locally grown olive oils.
Beautifully presented French cuisine awaits you at L'Oustau de Baumanière. The elegant dining room is set in a vaulted stone hall and it opens up on to a terrace for dining during the warmer seasons.
Authentic, refined cuisine using fresh market produce in a menu that changes with the seasons.
Chef Mathieu Groshenry has worked in more than one Michelin-starred restaurant before returning to his birthplace, Provence, to create an ever-changing menu based on regional produce.
Situated in the heart of the charming village of Les Baux, this restaurant boasts a cosy patio terrace where you can enjoy the most authentic Provençal cuisine.
Nature lovers are spoilt for choice in this area. The Alpilles Regional Country Park welcomes walkers, mountain bikers, rock climbers and horse riders. Note that during the summer, the risk of wild fires can be high causing the local authorities to close off access to some forested trails - this is to protect the area from accidental fires as well as for your safety.
Other sports on offer around Les Baux de Provence include tennis and an 18-hole golf course. Or try a spa day at one of the many luxury hotels in the area.
The Domaine de Manville has a renowned architect and landscaper designed 18-hole golf course allying technicality and game attraction in an eco-responsible and respectful way to produce a truly very special course.
This large natural area envelops 16 small towns and villages between the Luberon and the Camargue, not far from Arles.
From the perched village of Châteauneuf de Gadagne, this gentle family-friendly cycle route goes from the foot of the Colline de Thouzon, round in a loop to the town of Le Thor, via the cool waters of the River Sorgue.
This ride takes us along the banks of the river Sorgue, crossing picturesque bridges and cycling past tranquil orchards. You’ll visit a number of fascinating little villages and take in some wonderful scenery along the way.
This scenic cycle ride goes in a figure of eight, starting and finishing in Velleron, but also visiting Pernes-les-Fontaines to the north and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue to the south.
This 28.5km long route is a journey of discovery through the Ile de l'Oiselay and the vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape.
This fun 20km circuits takes in three short climbs on a scenic route that takes in some of the famous “Perched Villages” of Provence.
The Comtat Venaissin (County of Venaissin), often called the Comtat for short, dates back to the middle ages and was politically significant throughout the 16th and 17th centuries.
A great walk in any season as it gets the sun throughout the day and is sheltered from the sometimes strong, Mistral wind.
Starting in Barbentane, a short 15 minute drive from Avignon, this gentle and easy walk is great for all abilities of walker. WIth a shady tracks and only a 2 hour and 45 minute round trip you can amble along this walk and enjoy the surrouding scenery.
A slightly more challenging hike through the most spectactular gorge in Provence, with its narrow high walls and dark alleyway you can witness the amazing vegetation and plants. A 3 hour and 30 minute walk you can enjoy this popular walking route, recommended during the week when it is likely to be quieter.
Take your time, explore and discover the rich historical heritage and natural surroundings, fashioned by centuries of work which continues to the present day.
The vast numbers of lovely Vineyards in Provence make for great places to go on a walking or hiking tour.
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
This company offers an 8 kilometre canoe trip along the river near Fontaine de Vaucluse.
Located in the heart of the EcoQuartier Beaulieu, Lake Monteux is an open every day of the year. Ideal for the whole family, this area offers a multitude of activities.
This company offers two different types of excursions by kayak or canoe for either an hour and 15 minutes or 3 hours.
If you're looking to try out kitesurfing for the first time, this company can help you get to grips with the basics from professional instruction.
Located a few minutes from the village centre of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, you will be able to take full advantage of the restaurants and shops of the village whilst having a haven of peace to relax in.
Le Mas Malhana is a beautiful ancient stonehouse, perfectly renovated, ideal to spend your holidays in the heart of the Alpilles.
Mas with heated pool and tennis court for your holidays in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence - Mas des Etoiles
Luxury holiday rental in Saint Rémy de Provence - La Carte Postale
Superb luxury property to rent near Saint Rémy de Provence, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, gym.
Provencal farmhouse with swimming pool to rent in Paradou, in the heart of the Alpilles, for a dream holiday.
Superb, very bright mas, freshly renovated with high quality materials while preserving the charm of the old stone.
This beautiful Provençal farmhouse with swimming pool is located 900 m from the center of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. It’s a quiet and ideal place to spend the holidays discovering the Alpilles and their beautiful landscapes.
Superb luxury property to rent near Saint Rémy de Provence, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, gym.
In the heart of the Alpilles Regional Natural Park in the south of France, the Mas de la Cigale in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is an exceptional place for a dream holiday in Provence.
Superb bastide in the heart of its private valley for your holidays in the Alpilles. Let yourself be seduced by the charm of this 19th century property!
Le Mas Malhana is a beautiful ancient stonehouse, perfectly renovated, ideal to spend your holidays in the heart of the Alpilles.
Located just within a 5 minute walk from the town's main square, this small and charming hotel offers traditional Provençal decoration and a gourmet restaurant.
A family run spa retreat in the heart of Provence offering visitors the chance to savor the best in French cuisine.
This charming 5 star hotel offers guests the best in luxury accommodation and services whilst still retaining an air of simple, classic style.
This 17th century palais in charming Saint Remy de Provence is a historic-meets-contemporary sanctuary for lovers of all things gourmet.
Offering you a taste of the Provencal lifestyle, with linen sheets, sunrise over the drystone architecture, wildflowers overflowing from vases, the fragrance of fresh baked bread, creamy butter and golden honey, the true taste of fresh products raised on the estate.
The Vallon de Valrugues is located in the centre of St Remy, a stylish Provencial town filled with chic boutiques and galleries.
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
Find out all about what is happening in Provence and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this picturesque French region.
See allLatest News & ReviewsProvence has a busy calendar of events all year round featuring art exhibitions, charming markets, cultural festivals and concerts. Spring and autumn are the time to celebrate local produce while during the peak holiday times, in the summer months, you will find world-renowned music and cultural events like the Choregies d'Orange or the Avignon Festival.
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