Les Baux-de-Provence is a very picturesque Medieval village at a fortified rocky site between Arles and St Remy-de-Provence. Les Baux is well worth visiting, for the ancient village, the extensive fortified-chateau area, the magnificent setting and views, and the museums.
Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct) is one of the oldest and most remarkable Roman hydraulic works. The bridge is 48.77m high, has three levels and was built in ca. 20 BC (newer excavations, however, suggest the construction may have taken place between 40 and 60 AD). It crosses the river Gardon near Nimes (south of France). The aqueduct originally carried water from a source at the Fontaine d'Eure near Ucetia (Uzès) to a delivery tank or castellum divisorum in Nemausus (Nîmes), from where it was distributed to fountains, baths and private homes around the city.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a medieval village on the side of a hill, guarded by the ruins of an ancient chateau towering above. From the chateau hill you have an outstanding view in all directions, mostly of vineyards, of course. Off to the east and south, the Rhône winds across the fields, and the afternoon sun turns it silver. The village streets are narrow, curving around the hillside or climbing up and down between the houses. The buildings are old, but everything is very thoroughly restored. This is clearly a tourist town, and its purpose is to sell wine.
Avignon, a city in southeastern France’s Provence region, is set on the Rhône River. From 1309 to 1377, it was the seat of the Catholic popes, and remained under papal rule until becoming part of France in 1791. Its center, surrounded by medieval stone ramparts, contains the massive Palais des Papes and remains of the Saint-Bénezet bridge, also known as Pont d’Avignon.
Ripening olives in the orchards at Moulin du Mas des Barres where we visited the orchards and processing plant.
Olive orchard at Moulin du Mas des Barres where we visited the orchards and processing plant.
"Baby" olives in the orchards at Moulin du Mas des Barres where we visited the orchards and processing plant.
Olive orchard, old olive press wheel in foreground, at Moulin du Mas des Barres.
Ruins of Château des Baux as seen from the highway at the northeast end of Les Baux-de-Provence.
Ruins of Château des Baux as seen from the highway at the northeast end of Les Baux-de-Provence.
We stopped to see the ruins of Château des Baux with the Mistral in full force as you can see by the cloud of hair blowing around the face of Virginie Gravier our Tour Director.
Remains of fortified entrance at the north end of Les Baux-de-Provence.
View to the southwest from the western side of Les Baux-de-Provence.
A slightly different view to the southwest from the western side of Les Baux-de-Provence showing how the village is built right up to the cliff edge.
Santons Museum in a building that was built over the old town walls.
Typical steep stone street in Les Baux-de-Provence.
The Musée Yves Brayer, based in a 16th century mansion, the Hôtel de Porcelet.
Typical tourist trap shop in Les Baux-de-Provence.
St. Vincent's Church once a priory dependent on Saint-Paul de Mausole in Saint-Rémy de Provence.
The Penitents' Chapel located on the Place de l'église at the edge of the cliff overlooking the Fontaine Valley built in the mid 17th century by the Brotherhood of White Penitents.
Panorama lookiing west from the top of Les Baux-de-Provence.
Lots of arches in odd locations in Les Baux-de-Provence.
Street side cafe in Les Baux-de-Provence where I purchased a cup of coffee so I could use the facilities.
Opposite front of the Manville Residence, there was once a large mansion dating from 1571 (the "Brisson-Peyre" Residence).
Francie Stoutamire Photography
