The Château des Baux (Castle of Les Baux) is one of the main attractions of Provence and a must-visit place in Southern France. It is located on the Alpilles, 10 km from the small town of Saint-Remy-de-Provence filled with unique historical sites. You can reach it by taking a bus to the village of Les Baux-de-Provence.
The Château des Baux is a medieval fortress, built on the top of a cliff with a height of 245 meters and an area of 7000 square meters. Unfortunately, the impressive structure has not survived up to the present. Tourists can see only the remnants of its former splendor. However, even the preserved castle ruins impress anyone who visits this site.
The admission to the castle costs 10 euros. It includes an interesting tour of the ruins and an impressive view of Provence landscapes from the fortress walls. Besides, a free audio guide in 10 languages is available at the entrance.
The history of the castle goes back to the distant past. The first fortified settlement on the hill dates back to the 7th century BC. Its flowering was in the Early Middle Ages when the castle was owned by the influential and powerful Baux family. The Lords of Baux owned settlements throughout Provence and held the power of almost the entire south of France. However, the loss of Provence’s independence led to its decline.
Previously, the castle was often used as a shelter for itinerant performers (troubadours), who entertained the wealthy family. Today, it hosts various spectacular theatrical events and festivals using medieval weapons. Not far from the castle, there is an olive oil museum, which offers guided tasting tours.
Don’t forget to visit Les Baux-de-Provence, the charming village with cobbled streets located at the foot of the castle. After all, it is included in the list of the most beautiful villages in France. Besides, there are two restaurants with five prestigious Michelin stars!