History
Perched in splendid isolation on top of a natural plateau, Les Baux-de-Provence has always offered its inhabitants the dual advantage of being able to observe the land all around and to protect themselves.
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 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.
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.
Plan your visit to the Château des Baux-de-Provence.
You’ll find opening times and prices here, and you can also buy your tickets online.
The Destination des Baux-de-Provence offers reduced rates for groups to visit the Château des Baux.
You can also book a guided tour of the village of Les Baux, the Château or the village and the Château des Baux with a tour guide.
Have fun learning about the history of the Château des Baux-de-Provence!
Château des Baux is presenting an outdoor Escape Game entitled The Mystery of Alix, Last Lady of Les Baux.
In teams of 2 to 6 people, lead the investigation, explore the remains of the Château and discover the mysteries surrounding the will of the last princess of Les Baux by answering a series of riddles and challenges.
Investigative game for 2 to 6 people (minimum 2 people)
Duration: 2 hours (last departure 2 hours before the Château des Baux closes)
Minimum recommended age: 7
Price: 5€/person plus admission to the Château
Activities are on offer throughout the Easter weekend, on 8 and 9 May and from 18 to 20 May, organised by the Brigands du Mont Paon association.
Herbalism, medieval wine tasting in a medieval tavern, minting coins in the forge, demonstrations on a war machine, knight fights, costumed strolls through the village and lectures are all on the programme!
Perched in splendid isolation on top of a natural plateau, Les Baux-de-Provence has always offered its inhabitants the dual advantage of being able to observe the land all around and to protect themselves.
Discover one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France and its places steeped in history.
Maison du Roy, Rue Porte Mage,
13520 Les Baux-de-Provence
Tél. +33 (0)4 90 54 34 39
tourisme@lesbauxdeprovence.com
Opening hours
Monday to Friday: 9.30 am to 5.00 pm
Weekends & public holidays: 10.00 am to 5.30 pm
Closure: 25 December and 1 January
