Les Baux de Provence

Welcome to Les Baux-de-Provence, or Lay Bo-day-Pro-vons, one of the 'most beautiful villages in France.' We stand on a rocky plateau, a spur 700 meters long and 200 meters wide, purged and secluded by steep ravines. The name…

We enter the village through the Porte Mage, or the Mage Gate. This entrance was breached in the second half of the 19th century to allow for the opening of the current town entrance from the car parks. …

Continuing along the Grand Rue, we encounter some of the most beautiful private mansions in the region. The Hotel de Manville, built in 1571 by a wealthy Protestant family, is now the Town Hall. …

We arrive now at the Place Saint-Vincent, home to the '12th-century Eglise Saint-Vincent.' This church is extraordinary because it is 'partly carved into the rock' itself. As you enter the interior, notice the 'soaring vaulted…

We now enter the 'Citadel,' the 13th-century castle ruins that dominate the top of the plateau. This is where the 'fierce actions of the Lords of Baux' truly come to life. …

For the brave, we now approach the 'keep' (donjon) and the 'Saracen Tower.' The 'steep staircase' to the top is 'not for the faint of heart or those afraid of heights,' as the steps are 'difficult' and can be 'very slippery' even…

As we walk along the western edge of the plateau, we look down into the 'Val d'Enfer,' or the Valley of Hell. This deep ravine, with its 'strange rock formations' and 'steep ravines,' is said to have inspired Dante Alighieri when…

Our journey through Les Baux-de-Provence concludes here on the 'Castle Esplanade.' As the 'sun sets on the horizon,' the 'magnificent' colors illuminate the 'stone walls' and 'ruined houses,' capturing the 'daily joy of life'…