ALPILLES RANGE

The limestone heart of Provence

Carrieres de Lumieres, Les Baux-de-Provence, Saint-Remy-de-Provence

Not easy here in Provence. Below is another day trip to choose from. The focus here is on the Alpilles Range, a low limestone ridge 20 km south of Avignon. Nestled between cypress trees, we will start with the mesmerizing sonic light show in the old quarries made from the Baux stone. From there we will climb to the village of Les Baux-de-Provence, known as one of the “most beautiful villages in France”. Finally, we continue to the town of Saint-Remy-de-Provence and find out what Van Gogh and Nostradamus did there.

MORE PRECISELY

Carrieres de Lumieres (Quarries of light): The site is huge, the ceiling maybe 45 meters high. It seems like huge pillars of Baux (white limestone) threaten to topple as they dominate the space. The sonic light show radiates images of famous artists such as Van Gogh and Dreamed of Japan, and the combination is stunning. The quarry was closed in 1935 and has hosted light shows since 1977. We will tell the history of quarrying stone in the Alpille range. Where did all the Baux stone go?! An unforgettable experience and a “must” for any visitor to Provence.

Les Baux-de-Provence: We march up the stairs leading to the village gate. One can immediately understand the temptation of the place, and why it boasts over 1.5 million visitors a year. Beautiful, unique, with seemingly every set of stones laid out in a perfect composition, every restaurant terrace with the ideal exposition. We will continue up rocky streets that roll in perfect disarray and tell the history of the village and its importance until we reach the castle. As an important fortress from the Middle Ages, it had a glorious military history and was also the target of many attacks. From the top of the tower, the Alpille ridge will be spread out in front of us, and on a clear day there is a view to the Mediterranean.

Saint-Remy-de-Provence: We will end the tour with a visit to the hometown of Nostradamus. The village was established after the destruction of the nearby Roman Gallum (now an open site for visitors). We will walk around the ancient streets and tell the history and resume of Van Gogh who lived in the village for a while. For antiquities and history lovers, you can choose to spend more time visiting the remains of impressive Roman ruins near St. Remy.

KEY POINTS
TO NOTE
  • Does not include entrance fees for the audio-visual show and the castle (about 16 euros per adult).
  • Please bring a water bottle and sun hat (in summer).
  • Please consider fitness when choosing the tour.
  • Trip includes walking on flat surfaces with cobbled streets and ascending / descending stairs.
  • Guests walk at their own discretion on uneven surfaces.
  • Guests in need of a seat can enter a local café.
  • This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility, or a wheelchair.
  • Lunch is not included in this tour.
  • Price for guiding only.
  • The trip is self-driving. To arrange for VIP transport please contact us.
  • The order of the trip may vary depending on field conditions and events.

 

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