Les-Baux-de-Provence castle

The Château des Baux de Provence is a fortified castle in Southern France with a rich historical tradition.

Built during the 10th century, the area was significantly developed during the medieval period and was a site of perpetual conflict as the powerful Lords of Baux fought to maintain supremacy. The Lords of Baux ruled the Château des Baux de Provence for 500 years until they were superseded by the barons of the Masons des Comtes de Provence who were eventually overtaken by the Kings of France.

Louis XI ordered the destruction of the fortress and village in 1483. Constable Anne de Montmorency later called for the restoration of the area, before Louis XIII once again called for its demolition in 1633 following several turbulent centuries of war over the Baux de Provence castle and its surrounds. The 18th century saw the Baux de Provence castle pass into the hands of the Grimaldi royal family of Monaco.

The citadel endured a slow demise until the 20th century saw a desire emerge to revive the ‘dead city’. A process of restoration and an improvement of the overall site began to attract many visitors to the area.

A review of the history of the Château des Baux de Provence revealed it was a place rich in culture. While its past was certainly punctuated by constant assaults, there were cultural traditions that operated alongside the apparently dominant violence.

Poets and musicians were particularly present in the courts of the Baux de Provence castle, with records of many men coming to sing songs of love to the ladies of the court. The castle was once magnificently decorated with tapestries and artworks and sculptures and many carefully designed valuables, evident in the archive of castle objects drawn up in the 15th century.

Situated on a rocky outcrop, the Château des Baux de Provence boasts stunning panoramic views of the surrounding land with vineyards and orchards stretching out to the sea. There is much to discover with various underground passages, towers, courtyards, a chapel, a medieval hospital and more. Life size replicas of medieval weaponry are on display, with actual catapult demonstrations daily at the Baux de Provence castle.

Medieval performers and storytellers spread throughout the town to entertain visitors and a medieval festival is held annually. Guided tours are on offer, otherwise a free audioguide tour is recommended to all visitors. The audioguide brings the Château des Baux de Provence to life with the lively chatter of knights and the music and festive noises of medieval feasts.  Visitors can also set off on their own explorations amongst the architecture steeped in fascinating history.

A number of cafes and restaurants are run in the village and there is nearby accommodation for all visitors to the Baux de Provence castle.