The Baux-de-Provence, a historic jewel perched on a rocky spur, and Montpaon, a medieval castrum dominating the plain, immerse you in the fascinating history and exceptional landscapes of Provence.
Built in the 13th century on the last foothill of the Alpilles, the Château des Baux-de-Provence stands like a stone vessel, bearing witness to the tumults of the Lords of Baux. Dominating the horizon, it offers a breathtaking panorama of Provence, from Mont Sainte-Victoire to the Camargue. A striking testament to medieval ingenuity in the face of an imposing natural environment. Beyond the castle, Les Baux-de-Provence have been inhabited since prehistoric times, with Neolithic remains bearing witness to ancient agricultural life. Prosperity during antiquity, thanks to stone extraction, preceded medieval growth as a stronghold of the Lords of Baux. Despite a gradual post-Renaissance decline, its heritage has been preserved and magnified in the 20th century. Today, the village also reveals the art of living in Provence, with its incomparable flavors.
Nearby, Montpaon, in the town of Fontvieille, offers an authentic dive into medieval Provence. After restoration, with significant conservation and site security work funded by the Bouches-du-Rhône Department and Martine Vassal, its president who was committed to reviving this essential place, this medieval castrum reveals a fortified village with a castle, church, and residential quarters. Excavations reveal ancient occupation dating back to the Neolithic period. From the summit of Montpaon, the panoramic view of the Alpilles, the plains of Arles stretches to the Mediterranean, rewarding hikers and medieval history enthusiasts.
Whether through the cobbled streets of Les Baux-de-Provence or the marked trail of Montpaon, every step in these remarkable sites reveals a facet of Provence’s history. Dive into this millennial saga and these preserved natural splendors, of this region with a thousand facets.
Don’t forget to visit the monumental Carrières de Lumières, 14 meters high, at the foot of the city of Les Baux-de-Provence. Modern and contemporary art come to life in the heart of this unusual and magical place, with its mineral beauty. An immersive experience in the heart of the Alpilles.
Starting from April 19, 2024, “Egypt of the Pharaohs, from Khufu to Ramses II” and “The Orientalists, Ingres, Delacroix, Gérôme” will be on the program.
