What makes this village special?
Begin your journey through this medieval gem with a leisurely stroll along its narrow, meandering streets. The village’s charm unfolds immediately with its quaint townhouses and historic inns. The iconic castle, a classified historical monument, showcases a keep, troglodyte houses, a dovecote, a chapel, a windmill, and the impressive Saracen tower, all preserved to this day. At Saint-Blaise church, a captivating film narrates the village’s storied past, while the 12th-century Saint-Vincent church, partly hewn from rock, features magnificent modern stained glass windows by Max Ingrand, a gift from Prince Rainier III of Monaco.
Explore notable structures like the 16th-century Hôtel du Porcelet, now home to the Yves Brayer Museum, the 17th-century Chapel of the White Penitents, and the charming Chapel of Saint-Blaise. Make sure not to miss the enchanting Santons Museum, displaying 400 iconic Provencal figurines.
The Carrières de Lumières presents extraordinary audiovisual shows projected onto 14-meter-high walls spanning over 7,000 square meters. Utilising 100 video projectors and more than 27 speakers, these shows provide an immersive artistic spectacle that captivates audiences of all ages.
A visit to Les Baux-de-Provence wouldn’t be complete without sampling the local wines and olive oil. Surrounded by lush olive groves and vineyards, this region is renowned for producing some of Provence’s finest flavors, making it an essential part of the experience.
Renowned for its beauty
Les Baux-de-Provence is part of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France," a prestigious association established in 1982 to promote the tourism potential of small rural communes with rich heritage quality. Today, the association includes 164 villages across 14 regions and 70 departments.
Where to stay in Les Baux-de-Provence
Explore our handpicked selection of Provence Holidays properties, each offering a blend of luxury and authentic charm to enhance your stay in Les Baux-de-Provence.
We pair exclusive holiday homes with completely tailored experiences
Our inclusive concierge service breaks the mould when it comes to luxury holidays, and adds the wow-factor to every stay, family holiday and special occasion.
After booking, you will be assigned a dedicated concierge who will help you customise your stay to ensure an unforgettable holiday.
Food & Wine
Nature & Outdoors
Art & Culture
Entertainment
Sport & Wellness
The best places to visit in Les Baux-de-Provence
Getting to Les Baux-de-Provence
The nearest major airport is Marseille Provence Airport, located about 70 kilometers away. For high-speed rail connections to Paris and other major cities, the Avignon TGV station is conveniently situated approximately 35 kilometers from Les Baux-de-Provence.
If you prefer to drive and take the more scenic route, drive down the picturesque D27 route for stunning views of The Alpilles, or embark on the historic Route de la Lavande, which meanders through aromatic lavender fields. Additionally, the scenic D5 road offers views of rolling vineyards and olive groves.
Useful information about Les Baux-de-Provence
Les Baux-de-Provence is a picturesque village located in the Provence region of southern France. Here are some useful pieces of information about Les Baux-de-Provence:
General information
- Location: Les Baux-de-Provence is situated in The Alpilles mountains, about 15 kilometers northeast of Arles and 25 kilometers south of Avignon.
- Population: The village itself has a small population, typically fewer than 500 residents, but it attracts many tourists each year.
Attractions
1. Château des Baux: A ruined castle offering stunning views over the surrounding countryside. The castle has a rich history dating back to the 10th century.
2. Carrières de Lumières: A multimedia art show held in a former quarry, featuring immersive projections of famous artworks on the quarry walls.
3. Eglise Saint-Vincent: A historic church with beautiful stained glass windows and a serene atmosphere.
4. Musée des Santons: A museum showcasing traditional Provencal nativity figurines called "santons."
Historical significance
- Les Baux-de-Provence has a storied past, with evidence of habitation dating back to the Bronze Age. The village was a medieval stronghold and has a rich history linked to the powerful lords of Baux.
Local cuisine
- The region is known for its olive oil, wines, and traditional Provencal dishes. Restaurants in Les Baux-de-Provence often serve local specialties like bouillabaisse, ratatouille, and tapenade.
Best time to visit
- The best time to visit is during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October) when the weather is mild, and the tourist crowds are smaller.
Accessibility
- By Car: Les Baux-de-Provence is accessible by car, with parking available outside the village as vehicles are not allowed in the narrow village streets.
- By Train: The nearest major train stations are in Avignon and Arles. From there, you can rent a car or take a local bus or taxi to the village.
Tips for visitors
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the village has steep and cobbled streets.
- Take advantage of guided tours to learn more about the history and significance of the various sites.
- Check local event schedules, as Les Baux-de-Provence hosts various festivals and events throughout the year.
Les Baux-de-Provence is a gem of the Provence region, offering a blend of natural beauty, historical depth, and cultural richness.
Unique properties for sale
Whether you have holidayed with us previously or are simply looking for a new home or profitable project to undertake, we can unearth unique and often off-the-radar properties which are perfect for you.
Discover Provence with us
Our magazine encourages you to truly live and breathe the essence of the region. From secret villages to culinary treasures, experience Provence authentically with us.
