Must-Do Family Activities in Les Baux de Provence, France
Discover our “must-do” activities in Les Baux de Provence, a hidden gem located in the heart of Les Alpilles and one of our favourite spots to visit in Provence. Explore ancient sites and architectural gems such as the Château des Baux, marvel at the Carrières de Lumières, sample Provencal cuisine, and participate in a variety of outdoor sports. A vacation home in Les Baux de Provence will ensure that every time spent with family is unforgettable.
The best time to visit Les Baux de Provence
Les Baux de Provence is a charming village in the Bouches-du-Rhône, perfect holiday destination for families. Its Mediterranean climate makes it a desirable resort all year.
Spring, from April to May, and autumn, from September to October, provide pleasant weather while avoiding the summer throngs. The Vallée des Baux in the summer is surrounded by local activities, music festivals, and Provencal markets. In the winter, the Christmas season and its festive markets provide a warm and friendly environment.
What is Les Baux de Provence notable for? Top Family Activities
Les Baux de Provence: What to See
Château des Baux de Provence: This towering Middle Ages fortification immerses the entire family in history with its ramparts, turrets, and breathtaking panoramic vistas. Children will be delighted by the displays of classic military weaponry such as siege engines and catapults, as well as the mediaeval epics told here.
Carrières de Lumières: A disused quarry has been turned into an immersive exhibition space. The stunning environment captivates visitors with spectacular projections on the towering walls of the former quarries. It’s a fascinating sensory experience that mixes art and technology, perfect for families. Fun fact: the bauxite found in the quarry was named after the village les Baux de Provence.
Which village to visit near Les Baux de Provence?
Other hidden treasures await in the Vallée des Baux. The surrounding hamlet of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence boasts lovely lanes and Provencal markets, making it an ideal complement to any family itinerary.
Outdoor Activities of Les Baux de Provence
A postcard of nature
The region around Les Baux de Provence is a genuine paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Trails in the Regional Nature Parks are suited for all skill levels. Families may take scenic excursions through the Les Alpilles mountains, with stunning views of the stronghold located on a rocky spur. Alternatively, go around the Val d’Enfer’s limestone rocks.
Locavore picnics and nature-based retreats in Les Alpilles
Locavore family picnics in lavender fields and olive tree groves, as well as zip lining down a via ferrata path, are excellent opportunities to spend time in nature with those you care about. Take a donkey ride or follow in the footsteps of the Great Horned Owl through the Parc des Alpilles before meeting lovely goats at the Fromagerie des Cabres d’Or, named after a mythological golden goat that guarded secret treasures in Les Alpilles.
Discover the local food and wine at Les Baux de Provence
Restaurants in Les Baux de Provence: Where to Dine With Family?
A journey to Les Baux de Provence would be incomplete without experiencing local cuisine. Several restaurants provide great gastronomic experiences, like La Cabro d’Or Baumanière and Mas d’Aigret.
In addition, the greatest restaurants in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence serve delicious Provençal food.
Les Alpilles offers a variety of tastes, including olive oil, aïoli, and rosé wine.
Let your taste buds be tempted by the epicurean delights of Les Alpes: Provençal aioli, a garlic and olive oil mayonnaise, enhances fish and vegetables. Tomatoes à la provençale, sprinkled with crispy breadcrumbs, garlic, and olive oil, are delicious whether baked or pan fried.
Don’t miss out on the famed Les Alpilles goat cheese, Aix-en-Provence calissons, and AOP-certified Les Baux Olive Oil. Finally, in moderation, taste the local red, white, and rosé wine, as well as pastis, Provence’s iconic aniseed-flavored liqueur called after patisson – the Provencal term for “melange.”
Cultural tours and exhibitions in Les Baux de Provence
Following in Van Gogh's footsteps at St. Remy de Provence
The Monastère Saint-Paul de Mausole in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is a well-known destination for art and history enthusiasts. Van Gogh returned here after a bout of craziness to seek treatment and replenish his batteries. This visit marked the painter’s most intense creative phase, inspired by the surrounding scenery. You may now visit the convent and the chamber where Van Gogh stayed.
Immersive encounters at the Carrière des Lumières
From Egypt during the Pharaohs’ rule to the Orientalists and Jimmy Nelson, the former rock and bauxite mine Carrière des Lumières hosts unique exhibitions throughout the year for the entire family to enjoy.
Have the best family holiday experience in Provence !
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