Les Baux-de-Provence Castle
Château des Baux-de-Provence
France · Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Bouches-du-Rhône · Near Arles
Built 900 · Medieval Provençal
This page is part of an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by Les Baux-de-Provence Castle.
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Quick Facts
- Hours
- Daily 09:00–19:30
- Entry via GYG
- €69
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Best time
- March to June, September to November
- Nearest city
- Arles
Featured Tour
Les Baux-de-Provence and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence by electric-assisted bicycle
Cancellation available · Instant confirmation
Highlights
- ✦Spectacular ruined citadel perched on a white limestone ridge
- ✦One of the most visited historic sites in France
- ✦Full-scale medieval siege engine demonstrations
- ✦Views over the Alpilles mountains and Provençal plains
- ✦Adjacent village of Les Baux is one of France's most beautiful villages
Skip the queue with a guided tour
Skip-the-line tickets & expert guides
Les Baux-de-Provence is one of the most visited historic sites in France and one of the most spectacular — a ruined medieval citadel crowning a razor-edge limestone spur above the silver-green Alpilles, its walls fused with the bare white rock. The Lords of Baux were among the most powerful and turbulent feudal dynasties of medieval Provence, ruling over 79 towns at their peak. The citadel, covering over 7 hectares of cliff-top terrain, was razed by Cardinal Mazarin in 1632 following a revolt and never rebuilt. Today visitors walk through extensive ruins that include a chapel, towers, the lord's residence, and — uniquely — full-scale functioning reproductions of medieval siege engines: trebuchets, catapults, and battering rams with live demonstrations. The preserved medieval village below the ruins is one of France's most beautiful.
History
The Lords of Baux claimed descent from the Biblical Magus Balthazar and were celebrated across medieval Europe as patrons of troubadour poetry. At their peak in the 12th century they ruled over 79 towns and territories. The dynasty died out in 1426, and the castle passed to René of Anjou and later the French crown. In 1632 Cardinal Mazarin ordered the destruction of the citadel following Protestant resistance; 800 workers demolished it for three weeks, creating the dramatic ruins visible today. The site was restored and opened as a heritage attraction in the 20th century.
How to Visit
Getting there: Les Baux is 20 km from Arles and 30 km from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence on the D27. There is no regular public transport to the village; a car is required. In summer, parking fills quickly — arrive before 09:30 or after 16:00 to avoid the worst congestion.
Tickets: Walk-up admission is €11 for adults, €8 for children, and includes the full castle ruins circuit and the siege engine demonstrations (trebuchet and catapult, live several times daily in main season). The GYG electric-assisted bicycle tour (t1006510, from €69, 5.0★/2 reviews) combines Les Baux and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence in a 4–8 hour guided e-bike ride through the Alpilles.
Practical tips: Summer crowds at Les Baux are substantial — arrive at opening (09:00) or in the late afternoon to experience the limestone ridgeline without the worst crush. The siege engine demonstrations are included in admission and are worth timing your visit around; check the daily schedule at the ticket desk. The Carrières de Lumières, 500 m from the castle, is a separately ticketed immersive light show inside a disused quarry and is one of the most remarkable art experiences in France — allow 45 minutes and buy tickets in advance in July–August.
Combine with: [Château de Beynac](/castles/france/chateau-de-beynac) in the Dordogne is a strong thematic pairing for a longer France medieval itinerary — both are dramatic cliff-top ruins. Closer by, the village of Arles (20 km, Roman amphitheatre, Van Gogh Museum) makes a natural same-day combination.
Frequently Asked Questions
A spectacular immersive art installation in a disused limestone quarry 500 metres from the castle, where giant projections of great paintings cover the rock walls and floor. It is separate from the castle and requires its own ticket.
Location
Rue du Château des Baux, 13520 Les Baux-de-Provence, France
Nearby Castles
Tours & Tickets
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From
€69/ person