Les Baux-de-Provence, the scent of garrigue and the breath of the mistral wind

Vue sur le Village des Baux-de-Provence et le massif des Alpilles © IStock

 

From the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, in the Bouches-du-Rhône département, Les Baux-de-Provence is perched on a rocky spur overlooking the Alpilles mountain range. Designated as one of France's most beautiful villages, Les Baux-de-Provence boasts both incredible natural beauty in the heart of the Alpilles Regional Nature Park and a rich architectural heritage. A place that appeals as much to lovers of beautiful landscapes and hiking as it does to those who appreciate old stones. Choosing a campsite as accommodation for your stay in Les Baux-de-Provence is the best way to make the most of your holiday, combining wonderful discoveries, idleness, relaxation and activities, all at your own pace.

Campsites in Les Baux-de-Provence

Although the small village of Les Baux-de-Provence is not home to any campsites, there are plenty on offer around the village itself. There are 23 campsites in the vicinity of Les Baux-de-Provence, and here is a selection to help you choose.

  • In Fontvieille, the Huttopia *** campsite is located less than 10 km from the village of Les Baux-de-Provence and has wooden chalets for your comfort. This completely renovated establishment has pitches in the shade of pine trees. Enjoy the swimming pool, entertainment and restaurant in the heart of nature. An ideal base for exploring the Parc Naturel des Alpilles, the village of Fontvieille and Les Baux-de-Provence.
  • Camping Le Monplaisir **** in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence offers a large heated swimming pool in a quiet, family-run establishment with an intimate atmosphere that dates back three generations. You'll find a typical Provencal atmosphere here, with lavender and tall cypress trees, and you're only 11 km from the centre of the village of Les Baux-de-Provence.
  • Mas de Nicolas campsite **** is also located in Saint-Rémy de Provence, with pitches for tents and motorhomes as well as air-conditioned mobile homes and chalets. There's also a spa area and a heated outdoor swimming pool. The campsite's location is ideal for exploring the rich heritage of Provence. You are also less than 12 km from the village of Les Baux-de-Provence.

Must-see places in Baux-de-Provence

The Château des Baux

Built in the 9th century and then incorporated into the County of Provence and the Kingdom of France in 1486, it was partly destroyed in 1632 but classified as a Historic Monument in 1875. A not-to-be-missed site in Provence, the ruins are grandiose, with a semi-troglodytic section carved out of the rock. Here you can see the keep and the various towers, including the Tours de Bannes and Sarrasine, the Tour Paravelle and the Tour du Brau. The chapel is typical of the Middle Ages in its sobriety. Finally, from the castle, you can enjoy an exceptional view of the garrigue, the Alpilles and sometimes even the Mediterranean.

Ruins of the Château des Baux© iStock

The Lumières quarries

These immersive digital exhibitions have been on show since 2012, at the foot of the town of Les Baux-de-Provence, in a former stone quarry. The work of artists such as Chagall, Monet, Picasso and Renoir has been on show for over 10 years. Now a not-to-be-missed attraction in Provence, they're made for everyone, both artistic and playful, and will amuse children and enthral their parents.

The Louis Jou Foundation

A true architect of books, as the poet Pierre Seghers described him, Louis Jou was an artist whose creations were particularly rigorous. In this museum dedicated to his work, we find art publishing and the world of typology, as well as etchings by Goya, old books and engravings by Dürer and Rembrandt. You can also visit the artist's studio opposite the museum, with the tools and presses he used for his work, as well as some of the Master's paintings and bindings.

A stroll through the village

Inhabited by fewer than 500 people during the year, it fills up with over a million people during the summer season. Wander through the narrow streets, look up and admire the Renaissance houses to soak up the Provencal village atmosphere. And don't forget to try the AOC Les Baux-de-Provence wine and other specialities such as PDO olives and olive oil from the Vallée des Baux, protected by a designation of origin. Finally, walk to Place Saint-Vincent, with its 12th-century church, half-troglodytic and typical of Baussian buildings, and the Pénitents Blancs chapel, which has preserved its 16th-century frescoes,

One of the streets in the medieval village of Les Baux-de-Provence© iStock

Museum of Santons

A museum in which a large number of items from different collections are on display. There are 19th-century church figurines, 17th-century figurines from Naples, and traditional ceremonies staged in minute detail. It's also a museum that appeals to children, with an army of santons placed at their height, and to parents, with free admission!

Provençal santons © iStock