What to do in a day in Les Baux-de-Provence ?
Explore the village
Undoubtedly one of the most famous villages in Provence, Les Baux-de-Provence attracts thousands of tourists every summer, which can quickly become overwhelming during the peak months. Perched on its rocky outcrop, this tiny village is a true postcard scene. Strolling through its narrow, cobblestone streets is incredibly pleasant. In the summer, visitors come here to enjoy the coolness of its alleys surrounded by tall stone houses, providing shelter from the sun.
The village is a true labyrinth of winding streets that ascend and descend. You’ll find numerous shops selling local and artisanal products, but beware, not all of them are local! Make sure to ask and verify the origin of the products; it would be a shame to bring back lavender that isn’t from Provence! You’ll also come across workshops of artisans that you can visit for free.
Visit the Château des Baux-de-Provence
Once you’ve finished exploring the village, make your way up to the castle. Certainly, today only ruins remain of this famous castle, but with guides and signs, it’s easy to imagine what it once was. The view from the top overlooking the hills is absolutely stunning. The visit is quite extensive if you take the time to read everything and watch the videos.
We highly recommend getting the escape game at the castle ticket office. It allows you to explore the castle in a more playful way by solving puzzles and games. The kids loved it and learned about the castle’s history while having fun.
Visit the Carrières des Lumières
A visit not to be missed! Opened in the 1800s, this immense stone quarry, once used for construction in Les Baux-de-Provence among others, is now closed.
Today, the quarry offers a very interactive experience with projections of images, videos, and music covering the walls from floor to ceiling!
Make sure to check the Carrières’ website directly to see the current projections on the day of your visit.
On our visit, we experienced the projections featuring Tintin, and it was absolutely fantastic! In these vast and impressive quarries, the synchronized projections with music are mesmerizing.
If you’re visiting in peak summer, we recommend purchasing your tickets online to avoid long waits at the ticket counter.
Hiking near Les Baux-de-Provence
The village of Les Baux-de-Provence is renowned for its exceptional landscapes that have inspired many artists, including Vincent Van Gogh. Discover the magnificent scenery of the Alpilles with trails offering breathtaking views of Les Baux village, olive groves, vineyards, and more!
What to do around Les Baux-de-Provence ?
Visit Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
A charming town filled with narrow streets and quaint shops. Don’t miss the bullfighting events held annually in September, where bulls roam the streets. Throughout the year, you can also visit the arenas for bull races.
Lake Peïroou
This beautiful lake, formed by a dam, is highly regulated for protection. It’s ideal for scenic hikes and picnics, though camping and swimming are prohibited.
Arles, historical and cultural city
A picturesque city with a rich cultural heritage. Wander through its stone streets and discover numerous art museums and santonniers (makers of traditional Provencal figurines). Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers plenty to explore, including the Roman amphitheater and ancient theater. Consider purchasing an online pass for discounted admission to attractions.
Archaeological site of Glanum
Located near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, this ancient Roman city was built around a spring. Despite being in ruins, the site is vast and impressive, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. It’s quite rare to find such a well-preserved Roman site in France.
Where to park in Les Baux-de-Provence ?
Please note, there are limited parking options for visiting Les Baux-de-Provence or the Carrières des Lumières, and all parking areas are paid.
- By car: You will find a parking lot right in front of the Carrières des Lumières, as well as one at the foot of the village. However, during peak times, they can fill up quickly. In such cases, you can park along the “route d’Arles,” the main road leading to the village.
- For campers or RVs: This is where it gets challenging in Les Baux-de-Provence! There are absolutely no designated areas for parking, and worse, all regular parking lots are off-limits! Please do not attempt to park illegally as it is heavily monitored and will result in a fine! The only place where you can park is along the steep main street leading to Les Baux-de-Provence, also known as the “route d’Arles.” You will need to walk a considerable distance to reach the Carrières or the village from here.
Where to stay in Les Baux-de-Provence ?
Being a highly touristy area, there’s no shortage of accommodation options! From hotels to guesthouses and Airbnbs, you’ll surely find something that suits your preferences. As for prices, it varies depending on the time of your visit, ranging from moderate to high.
For campers and RVs, unfortunately, there are no facilities available in Les Baux-de-Provence! There are no dedicated areas or campsites. The closest campsites are located in Maussane-les-Alpilles or Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
This is where France Passion comes in! As previously mentioned in our dedicated article, you can find several farmers near Les Baux-de-Provence through their guide and app. Here, you can park your vehicle, whether it’s a camper or an RV, and enjoy tasting delicious local products!
When is the best time to visit Les Baux-de-Provence ?
Les Baux-de-Provence remains one of the most visited villages! In the peak of summer, entire tour buses of tourists from around the world flood into the village.
With narrow streets, visiting the town can quickly become unpleasant! If possible, opt for spring, which is a very pleasant season here as temperatures are not yet reaching 30°C in the shade! It’s best to visit between April and June!
