The Bouches-du-Rhône division in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is brimming with tradition and historical past – suppose Roman ruins, vineyards, dazzling landscapes, and picturesque villages – few extra beguiling than the perched village of Les Baux-de-Provence, one of many prettiest villages in Provence with its winding cobbled streets lined with eating places and boutiques, breath-taking views over the countryside, and residential to a surprising resort the place you’ll take pleasure in an genuine “artwork de vivre” expertise.
Les Baux-de-Provence
Les Baux-de-Provence is ready on a rocky plateau within the Alpilles mountains, with views of Aix, Arles, and the Camargue. It has been an historic dwelling place, with caves inhabited over 6,000 years in the past. The city, fortified within the tenth century, is commonly described as probably the most stunning village in Provence, and the ruins of the Thirteenth-century Château des Baux minimize a hanging and imposing define towards the Mediterranean blue sky.
Having steadily fallen into decline as a consequence of its distant and rugged place, the arrival of Louis Jou, a Catalan painter, engraver, and typographer, witnessed the start of the resurgence of Les Baux after WWII. Right now, you’ll discover a bustling group with steep cobbled streets, artisan retailers, and cafés spilling onto the pavement, together with 22 listed monuments. On the encircling slopes of the Alpilles, you’ll discover olive and almond bushes, whereas different native produce contains wine, goats’ cheese, and naturally, native lavender. After exploring the slender streets and gazing in awe at this extraordinary panorama, take pleasure in some people-watching from one of many bars or cafés within the village.
Don’t miss the Carrières des Lumières, an immersive artwork and lightweight present that includes well-known artists from Monet to Van Gogh, positioned in an enormous centuries-old quarry on the foot of the city within the Val d’Enfer – it’s extraordinary.
Then head to the most effective resort within the space for a calming keep on the excellent Lodge Benvengudo.
Welcome to Lodge Benvengudo
Lodge Benvengudo is a family-owned, boutique 4-star resort set on seven acres of Mediterranean gardens that includes pine bushes, lavender fields, and olive groves.
The resort combines modern luxurious and class with genuine Provençal type. Cool off within the pool, play golf on a rocky plateau with dramatic views over the valley and the Alpilles area, or go for a calming therapeutic massage. Pattern the flavours of the Garrigue within the resort’s excellent restaurant earlier than setting off to discover this unbelievable nook of France. The resort’s proficient chef makes use of produce from the resort’s personal gardens in addition to from native producers, corresponding to olive oil, inexperienced olives, and salted black olives from the Baux-de-Provence Valley, to create menus that mix Provençal flavours with subtle aptitude.
At numerous instances, the resort organises a festive olive harvest occasion on the property, wine tastings, and musical evenings.
That is no unusual resort. In its fascinating location, only a quick stroll from the centre of city and near all the main websites within the space, you’ll obtain a heat welcome and be handled as a cherished visitor.
What to see Les Baux de Provence
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
A brief drive northeast of Les Baux-de-Provence, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is one other city with an extended historical past and a wonderful Provençal vibe. It’s well-known for its Roman ruins (the town of Glanum, based within the third century) and is residence to the Romanesque Monastery of Saint-Paul de Mausolé, the place Vincent van Gogh was a affected person and which impressed a number of of his work. As one of many oldest cities in France, it’s good for a stroll alongside picturesque boulevards, and you’ll be taught extra concerning the city’s historical past at its three museums.
You’ll discover elegant Renaissance mansions and grand 18th century homes, bustling little squares cooled by tinkling fountains and shaded from the warmth of the day by tall aircraft bushes. There’s an irresistible twice weekly market that’s simply heaving with scrumptious native produce.
Eygalières
Round 20km from Les Baux, you’ll discover the village of Eygalières, perched on a small rocky hill. Its cobbled streets are lined with artwork galleries and boutiques, alongside medieval homes constructed from native limestone, lined with brightly colored flowers and flower-filled balconies. Go to the Twelfth-century church of Saint Sixte and chill out at one of many many glorious eating places within the village.
Tarascon
A go to to Tarascon-sur-Rhône, a fortified city simply 18km from Les Baux, is a should. Constructed on the banks of the Rhône River, it was based round 2000 years in the past and have become the symbolic seat of the Counts of Provence, together with René I, titular King of Sicily.
Discover the winding, slender Medieval streets, peppered with arched doorways. Seize a espresso on the Place du Marché, reverse the Seventeenth-century Hôtel de Ville, and wander the Rue des Halles with its 14th-century arcades the place a market is held. You may’t miss the Fifteenth-century Château de Tarascon, a Medieval chateau constructed on the stays of a Roman fort. Different must-visit websites embody the Romanesque and Gothic-style Collégiale Church of St. Martha. Legend has it that Martha got here from Palestine to Tarascon and tamed an amphibious monster known as La Tarasque. Then, head to the spectacular Cloister of the Cordeliers, constructed by Franciscan monks.
And chill out
After a day of sightseeing, exploration, and journey, head again to Lodge Benvengudo for a well-earned relaxation. Take a dip within the pool, take in the ambiance, and unwind with an aperitif, a glass of native wine, and dinner below the celebrities as you benefit from the scents of lavender, thyme, and pine.
For extra info or to e book your keep on this little Provencal nook of Paradise, go to: benvengudo.com
