Les Baux-de-Provence: A Village Carved from Stone
1. La Boutique du château (the fortress bookstore and shop) | 2. View from Place Louis Jou on Rue de la Calade | 3. Saint Blaise Chapel | 4. Market baskets for sale
1. Potted olive trees for sale at Place François de Hérain on Rue des Fours | 2. Place Prince Rainier III de Monaco on Rue du Château | 3. Hôtel de Porcelet on Grand Rue Frédéric Mistral | 4. Window on Rue de la Calade
Les Baux-de-Provence officially holds the title of one of France's Most Beautiful Villages, and it's immediately clear why. With fewer than 300 residents, this isn't so much an active village as it is a breathtaking tourist destination.
For our first stop in Provence, my sister Laura and I decided to travel by bus from Avignon, (only available in the Summer). While driving is necessary for visiting many Provence villages, we had chosen a few destinations that were easily accessible by bus or train. Arriving at the base of the village, we faced a steep uphill walk from the parking area and bus stop, along the Esplanade Charles de Gaulle, which leads to the village's northern entrance at Porte Mage. This gateway was built in the second half of the 19th century, breaking through the original rampart walls. Les Beaux is strictly pedestrian - no cars allowed - so comfortable walking shoes are essential.
The view from the Esplanade du Château
Les Baux-de-Provence is a stunning stone and cobblestone medieval village perched atop a rugged limestone outcrop in the Provençal hills. Its name derives from the Provençal word "baou," meaning rocky spur—a fitting description given that traces of human settlement here stretch back to 6000 BC. The village truly flourished during the era of the Celts and eventually became the seat of a powerful feudal lordship in the Middle Ages. The Lords of Baux controlled much of Provence for many years, but their dynasty came to an abrupt end with the death of the last princess of Baux. The village was then transferred to the French crown, along with Provence, in the 15th century. By 1642, the town had passed to the Grimaldi family, the rulers of Monaco. While the title of Les Baux still belongs to the Grimaldis today, the village itself is entirely French when it comes to governance and administration.
1. The entrance to Saint Vincent Church at Place Saint-Vincent | 2. Chapel of the White Penitents | 3. Small courtyard off of Rue Porte Mage | 4. Hostellerie de la Reine Jeanne on Rue Porte Mage
SOME OF LES BEAUX’S MAIN SITES
The village of Les Baux features 22 architectural treasures officially classified as Historic Monuments in one compact village. Medieval chapels, Renaissance mansions, fortifications, and ruins - all nationally recognized heritage sites. Les Baux isn't just picturesque; it's an open-air museum where every building tells centuries of history. Whether you love history or beautiful architecture, it's an incredibly rewarding visit.
CARRIÈRES DES LUMIÈRES
A former quarry transformed into an immersive digital art exhibition center.
CHÂTEAU DES BAUX
Built in the 13th century atop a rocky outcrop, this formidable stone fortress commands exceptional panoramic views across Provence. Its elevated position allowed defenders to survey and safeguard the surrounding territory. Medieval architects enhanced the site's natural defenses by carving chambers and fortifications directly into the bedrock, creating an impregnable citadel that merged seamlessly with the cliff itself.
ÉGLISE SAINT-VINCENT (CHURCH OF SAINT-VINCENT)
This 12th-century church, located in Place Saint-Vincent, is carved directly into the living rock. Its southern facade features the striking Lantern of the Deceased - a graceful cylindrical tower crowned with a cupola adorned with gargoyles. According to local tradition, a flame would be kindled within this tower to mark the passing of any resident of Les Baux.
ESPLANADE DU CHÂTEAU
This broad terrace at the entrance to the fortress serves as a gathering point and offers stunning views over the valley below. The esplanade provides a strategic vantage point that once allowed defenders to monitor approaching threats from all directions.
EYGUIÈRES GATE
The original main entrance to the medieval village until 1866. Take the La Calade and look for a fork in the street heading downward. Until 1866, this was the only access to the village.
HÔTEL DE MANVILLE
Built in 1751 and located on Grand Rue Frédéric Mistral. A Renaissance-era private mansion that now serves as the Town Hall.
MAISON DU ROY (KING’S HOUSE)
The former residence of the King, now housing the Tourist Office. Built in 1499, you’ll find the King’s House on Rue Porte Mages at the main entrance to the village.
PLACE PRINCE RAINIER III DE MONACO
This square along Rue du Château honors the late Prince Rainier III of Monaco, whose Grimaldi family has historical ties to Les Baux. The princes of Monaco have held the title of Marquis des Baux since the 16th century, maintaining a centuries-old connection between the two territories.
CHAPELLE DES PÉNITENTS BLANCS (WHITE PENITENT’S CHAPEL)
Perched on the cliff edge above the Fontaine Valley in Place Saint-Vincent, this chapel was constructed in the mid-17th century by the Brotherhood of White Penitents. After falling into ruin, it was restored in 1937 by the Brotherhoods of Langue d'Oc and rededicated to Saint Estelle, guardian of the memory of Les Baux's ancient penitents. The chapel features frescoes and offers sweeping views over the valley below.
1. Maison du Roy | 2. Saint Vincent Church at Place Saint-Vincent | 3. Saint Vincent Church - Lantern of the Deceased | 4. Les Beaux cemetery, near the fortress bookstore
1. Place Prince Rainier III de Monaco, on Rue du Château | 2. Rue de l'Orme | 3. Les Beaux cemetery | 4. Rue de la Calade
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
SHOPPING
Les Baux offers the usual array of tourist shopping that you’ll find in Provence - lavender products, local olive oil, souvenir shops, and Provençal crafts. Prices are tourist-level, but if you're looking for gifts or regional specialties, you'll find plenty of options lining the narrow streets.
La Cure Gourmande
Location: Grand Rue Frédéric Mistral
Le Rocher des Baux
A really cute little shop offering chocolate-covered almonds. Le Rocher has a beautiful interior and lovely packaging (as a former graphic designer, I really love pretty packaging).
Location: Rue de la Calade
Mas de Cayol
Provencal decorations, olive oil, and objects made from olive wood. This is a small shop, but you can also visit their organically farmed orchards for a free olive oil tasting at the foot of the Château des Baux-de-Provence. Free tours by appointment.
Shop Location: Place Louis Jou
1. Châteqau Des Baux as seen from the village | 2. Chapel of the White Penitents | 3. Iron cross and Saint Vincent Church | 4. Rue du Château
1. Hôtel de Manville, on Grand Rue Frédéric Mistral | 2. Lavender for sale in one of the shops | 3. Saint Vincent Church - Lantern of the Deceased | 4. Door on Rue de la Calade
TOURIST INFORMATION
Les Baux-de-Provence Tourist Office
The tourist office is located at the Porte Mage entrance to the village in the Maison du Roy. They were extremely helpful and friendly. For a very helpful map of the village and the fortress, you can find that here.
Location: Maison du Roy, Rue Porte Mage
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Tourism Board
Lots of helpful information for visiting Provence, Alpes and the Côte d’Azur.
GETTING HERE & PARKING
By Bus
From Avignon, Arles, or St. Remy-de-Provence - Zou Line 707 Eté (Summer): This line runs from July 5 to August 31and drops off directly at the fortress in Les Baux. Avignon <> Saint-Rémy <> Les Baux <> Arles. A PDF of the bus schedule can be found here.
From Avignon, Arles, or St. Remy-de-Provence - Zou Line 707: Avignon <> Saint-Rémy <> Les Baux <> Arles. Limited stops in Les Beaux during the off-season, otherwise by bus to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, then take a 20-minute taxi to Les Beaux. A PDF of the bus schedule can be found here.
From Maussane-les-Alpilles - Zou Line 702 to Maussane-les-Alpilles: Arles <> Salon-de-Provence. By bus to Maussane-les-Alpilles, then take a 10-minute taxi to Les Beaux. A PDF of the bus schedule can be found here.
From Arles - Zou Line 704 to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Cavaillon <> Arles. By bus to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, then take a 20-minute taxi to Les Beaux. A PDF of the bus schedule can be found here.
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By Car
From Avignon: A7 motorway, exit 24. Distance: 35 km (40 min)
From Marseille: A7 motorway towards Lyon – A54 towards Arles, exit 11. Distance: 90 km (1h15)
From Nîmes: A9 motorway – A54 towards Arles, exit 7. Distance:
