Château des Baux
Medieval fortress, partly carved into the rock, on a spur of the Alpilles, with reconstructed siege engines and views over Provence.
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About the museum
The fortified site of Les Baux, perched on a rocky spur of the Alpilles, is mentioned as early as the 10th century. The castle was built from the 11th century for the lords of Les Baux, a powerful Provençal family. In the 12th century the region was shaken by the Baussenque Wars, which arose from a succession dispute over the County of Provence.
At the end of the 14th century, Raymond de Turenne, uncle of Alix des Baux, held the fortress; it was besieged in 1393. In 1426 the lordship was attached to the County of Provence, which joined the Kingdom of France in 1486. The castle was affected by the Wars of Religion, dismantled in 1632 and gradually forgotten. It has been protected as a historic monument since 1904.
The castle is partly troglodytic: some rooms are carved into the rock. It retains a 13th-century rectangular keep, towers, the remains of a chapel and enclosure walls, as well as the Hôpital Quiqueran, a rare Renaissance hospital building in Provence.
Today the visit features reconstructed siege engines, such as a trebuchet, a ballista and a battering ram, which are demonstrated, and an online interactive guide, “Alix des Baux”, accessible via a QR code.
Highlights
- Semi-troglodytic fortress on a spur of the Alpilles
- Reconstructed siege engines, including a trebuchet
- 13th-century keep and remains of the chapel
- Hôpital Quiqueran, a Renaissance building
- Interactive guide “Alix des Baux” via QR code
- Panoramic views over the Alpilles and the olive groves
Admission & discounts
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 6 · Free admission for children under 7; child rate for ages 7 to 17. |
|---|---|
| Visitors with disabilities | –Free admission with the carte mobilité inclusion (CMI) bearing the “invalidité” or “priorité” mention, including equivalent foreign cards; with the “besoin d’accompagnement” mention, the companion receives a reduced rate. |
| Groups (20+ people) | €7 per personFree self-guided visit from 20 people; one free place for a companion and one for the driver. School groups: €5 per pupil from 20 pupils. |
| Families | –Family rate for 2 adults and 2 children aged 7 to 17. |
Detailed rates are shown on the online ticketing page. Free admission for holders of this year’s press card. Payment on site in cash, by bank card or with ANCV holiday vouchers; culture vouchers are not accepted.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The castle can only be reached on foot, through the village along cobbled lanes whose gradient sometimes exceeds 6%. Assistance is recommended for people with reduced mobility; the castle lends a Quadrix-type vehicle under certain conditions. Dogs on a lead are welcome.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly: not available
Medieval calligraphy and seal-making workshops during certain periods, medieval family entertainment at events, and a family rate. Pushchairs are very difficult to use on the site; a baby carrier is strongly recommended. The reconstructed siege engines are demonstrated.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Les Baux-de-Provence · 5-min walk
Bus line 707 (Avignon – Saint-Rémy – Les Baux – Arles) to Les Baux; train stations at Arles, Tarascon and Saint-Martin-de-Crau, and TGV stations at Avignon, Nîmes Pont-du-Gard and Aix-en-Provence.
By car
Paid parking
Paid municipal car parks: €5 for the first hour, €1 for the second, €0.50 for each additional hour; payment possible via the PayByPhone or Presto Park apps. EV charging points at the Col de la Vayède and Carrières car parks.
The castle is about five minutes’ walk from the entrance to the pedestrian village. From Avignon: A7, exit 24; from Marseille: A7, then A54 towards Arles, exit 11; from Nîmes: A9, then A54 towards Arles, exit 7.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
- Coat check: not available
- Lockers: not available
Bookshop-boutique on site. Several picnic tables are available. No left-luggage service is offered, not even for small bags.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Corporate events
Two outdoor spaces can be hired exclusively: the Espace Quiqueran (500 m²) and the Espace Alix des Baux (250 m²). Quotes on request for receptions, cocktails and product launches.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | no |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | No audioguide: an interactive guide, “Alix des Baux”, can be accessed with a smartphone via QR codes along the route. Recommended duration for a self-guided visit: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes. Group guided tours in French, English and Spanish. Smoking is prohibited throughout the site. |
