Heritage in Les Baux-de-Provence
Alpilles > Les Baux-de-Provence
Overlooking the valley from the top of its rocky peak, this fortified castle was the residence of the Lords of Baux and played an important historical and cultural role in Provence during the Middle Ages. Listed as a 'Monument Historique', it now offers dazzling panoramic views and catapult shooting demonstrations.
Visit the Château des Baux-de-Provence and discover the tumultuous and chaotic past of the Lords of Les Baux! This imposing stone vessel offers an exceptional panoramic view of Provence to anyone who dares to venture into its remains.
A mediaeval fortress:
It was in the 13th century that the rocky spur of Les Baux was capped with this imposing fortress. Its naturally entrenched and high-perched situation made it possible to observe and protect the surroundings.
The architects of the day tamed the site by carving into the rock to reinforce its defensive nature.
The Château des Baux-de-Provence extends over 5 hectares, and the whole site is a listed Historical Monument.
Situated in the foothills of the Alpilles massif, it offers a breathtaking panorama of Provence, from Aix to Arles, and beyond. On a clear day you can see the Mont Sainte-Victoire and the Camargue.
A little bit of history:
A castrum in Les Baux is mentioned in texts dating from the second half of the 10th century. Les Baux was then occupied essentially for military purposes.
In the Middle Ages, the House of Les Baux, descended from powerful Provençal families, possessed 79 towns and strongholds spread all round Provence and in the neighbouring counties that were called the “terres Baussenques”.
At that time, the territory of Les Baux acquired a certain renown in literature and philosophy.
The court of Les Baux became famous for its courtly feasts where poets and troubadours came to entertain the beautiful ladies and the knights.
Witnesses of a rich history:
The keep, and the Sarrasine and Paravelle towers, the cave dwellings, the castle’s chapel, the ‘hare’s hole’ defensive passageway, the cistern, the bakery, the dovecots, the lower halls and the courtyards all bear witness to a rich past.
Built on three levels on the cliffside, the fortress stands on a rocky spur, its walls carved into the limestone rock or backing onto the escarpment walls.
The Château des Baux is open all year round:
January, February, November and December: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm*
March, October: 9.30 am to 6.00 pm*
April, May, June, September: 9.00 am to 7.00 pm*
July, August: 9.00 am to 7.30 pm*
Closed on 25 December
* Last admission 1 hour before closing time.