Les Baux-de-Provence. Descriptions & Excursions.

Les Baux-de-Provence is a commune in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of Southern France. It is located in the Alpilles mountains, atop a rocky outcrop that is crowned with a ruined castle overlooking the plains to the south. Its name refers to its site: in Provençal, a bauç is a rocky spur. 

Named after the province of Provence, it has been named one of the most beautiful villages in France and has over 1.5 million visitors per year although it has only 22 residents in the upper part of the commune and 436 for the whole commune. 

In the summertime, the castle hosts knightly tournaments and sets in motion medieval siege machines. In the city itself, you can stroll along the narrow medieval streets, look into the courtyards, and see the old town hall.

The spread of Calvinist teachings in the south of France led to the Huguenot uprising led by the Duke of Rogan (1632). Cardinal Richelieu not only suppressed it, but also ordered the destruction of the main Provence strongholds, among which was Le Baux.

In 1642, by a treaty of alliance with the Grimaldi of Monaco, these rulers were granted the title of Marquis de Baux. Since then, it has been used by the heir to the Monegasque throne.

More informations You can find at the Official site of Baux-de-Provence tourist office.