One of the prettiest villages in Provence | Les Baux-de-Provence

The Bouches-du-Rhône department in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is brimming with culture and history – think Roman ruins, vineyards, dazzling landscapes, and picturesque villages – few more beguiling than the perched village of Les Baux-de-Provence, one of the prettiest villages in Provence with its winding cobbled streets lined with restaurants and boutiques, breath-taking views over the countryside.

Les Baux-de-Provence

Les Baux-de-Provence is set on a rocky plateau in the Alpilles mountains, with views of Aix, Arles, and the Camargue. It has been an ancient dwelling place, with caves inhabited over 6,000 years ago. The town, fortified in the 10th century, is often described as the most beautiful village in Provence, and the ruins of the 13th-century Château des Baux cut a striking and imposing outline against the Mediterranean blue sky.

Having gradually fallen into decline due to its remote and rugged position, the arrival of Louis Jou, a Catalan painter, engraver, and typographer, witnessed the beginning of the resurgence of Les Baux after WWII. Today, you’ll find a bustling community with steep cobbled streets, artisan shops, and cafés spilling onto the pavement, along with 22 listed monuments. On the surrounding slopes of the Alpilles, you’ll find olive and almond trees, while other local produce includes wine, goats’ cheese, and of course, local lavender. After exploring the narrow streets and gazing in awe at this extraordinary landscape, enjoy some people-watching from one of the bars or cafés in the village.

Don’t miss the Carrières des Lumières, an immersive art and light show featuring famous artists from Monet to Van Gogh, located in a vast centuries-old quarry at the foot of the town in the Val d’Enfer – it’s extraordinary.

What to see near Les Baux de Provence

*Saint-Remy de Provence, Photo © Marianne Furnes*

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

A short drive northeast of Les Baux-de-Provence, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is another town with a long history and a fabulous Provençal vibe. It is famous for its Roman ruins (the city of Glanum, founded in the 3rd century) and is home to the Romanesque Monastery of Saint-Paul de Mausolé, where Vincent van Gogh was a patient and which inspired several of his paintings. As one of the oldest towns in France, it is perfect for a stroll along picturesque boulevards, and you can learn more about the town’s history at its three museums.

You’ll find elegant Renaissance mansions and grand 18th century houses, bustling little squares cooled by tinkling fountains and shaded from the heat of the day by tall plane trees. There’s an irresistible twice weekly market that’s just heaving with delicious local produce.

Eygalières

Around 20km from Les Baux, you’ll find the village of Eygalières, perched on a small rocky hill. Its cobbled streets are lined with art galleries and boutiques, alongside medieval houses made from local limestone, covered with brightly coloured flowers and flower-filled balconies. Visit the 12th-century church of Saint Sixte and relax at one of the many excellent restaurants in the village.

Tarascon

A visit to Tarascon-sur-Rhône, a fortified town just 18km from Les Baux, is a must. Built on the banks of the Rhône River, it was founded around 2000 years ago and became the symbolic seat of the Counts of Provence, including René I, titular King of Sicily.

Explore the winding, narrow Medieval streets, peppered with arched doorways. Grab a coffee at the Place du Marché, opposite the 17th-century Hôtel de Ville, and wander the Rue des Halles with its 14th-century arcades where a market is held. You can’t miss the 15th-century Château de Tarascon, a Medieval chateau built on the remains of a Roman fort. Other must-visit sites include the Romanesque and Gothic-style Collégiale Church of St. Martha. Legend has it that Martha came from Palestine to Tarascon and tamed an amphibious monster called La Tarasque. Then, head to the impressive Cloister of the Cordeliers, built by Franciscan monks.