Les Baux-de-Provence, Medieval fortress village in Bouches-du-Rhône, France
Description
Les Baux-de-Provence is a fortified settlement on a rocky plateau in the Bouches-du-Rhône department of Provence. The built area stretches along narrow lanes of pale limestone and is crowned by the remains of a medieval castle that looks out over the surrounding valleys and olive groves.
History
The barony arose in the 10th century on this strategic rocky plateau and controlled up to 79 surrounding settlements. The family claimed descent from the biblical Magi and carried the Star of Bethlehem in their coat of arms.
Culture
The name comes from the Provençal word for rocky outcrop, reflecting its position on a steep limestone plateau. The remaining stone houses blend into the natural landscape and form a continuous ensemble with the castle ruins.
Practical
The castle grounds and lanes are explored on foot, with sturdy shoes recommended because of the uneven terrain. The location on the rocky plateau means inclines and steps, so allow some time for walking at a comfortable pace.
Did you know?
Geologist Pierre Berthier discovered a reddish ore here in 1821, which he named after the place and which was later recognized as an important aluminum source. Today the term bauxite recalls this Provençal discovery site around the world.
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The Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region combines medieval villages, historical fortifications, and natural areas between the Mediterranean coast and the Alps. The landscape ranges from the lavender-covered plateaus of Valensole to the steep limestone cliffs of the Calanques and alpine passes above...
Throughout France's regions lie villages that seem frozen in time. These places are built from stone, wood, and light, where history is written across facades and paved streets. Some nestle in valleys, others cling to cliffs or look out over vineyards. You find old houses, squares with arcades,...
Carrières des Lumières
507 m
Carrières de Lumières
556 m
Château des Baux
148 mVal d'Enfer
641 m
Église Saint-Vincent des Baux
74 m
Trémaïe
251 m
Hôtel de Manville
24 m
Chapelle Saint-Blaise des Baux-de-Provence
126 m
Golf Du Domaine De Manville
1.3 km
Pavillon de la reine Jeanne
210 m
Porte Eyguières
50 m
Musée des Santons
92 m
Maison Jean de Brion
35 mMusée d'histoire et d'archéologie des Baux-de-Provence
32 m
Hôtel des Porcelets
72 m
Former Quiqueran hospice
104 m
Maison de la Tour de Braü
131 m
Maison du roi
133 m
Chapelle des Pénitents blancs
96 mMusée-fondation Louis-Jou
26 m
Ancienne Carrière du Mas Rouge
3.2 km
Hôtel de ville des Baux-de-Provence
4 m
Maison des remparts
41 m
Chapelle Sainte-Catherine des Baux-de-Provence
114 mFour banal des Baux
1.3 km
Chapelle des Trois-Maries dite chapelle des Trémaïé des Baux-de-Provence
259 m
Baumes de Roucas
77 mMaison de Bertrand Mocadeu
520 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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