LES BAUX DE PROVENCE
Calling Code: +33
Perched high atop a windswept spur of the Alpilles Hills in southeastern France is the ancient, picturesque village of Les
Baux-de-Provence. Historically, its remote location provided a natural fortress. In the 11th century its great ch�teau, now in ruins,
was the seat of the mighty seigneurs of Les Baux, who controlled 72 towns and domains in Provence and the Dauphin�. By the 13th century,
Les Baux had become one of the great medieval "courts of love," a center for tournaments, troubadours and court
manners.
Over the centuries, fierce political struggles diminished the power of the house; in 1632, Les Baux had become a Protestant stronghold
and Louis XVIII destroyed the ch�teau and the city walls. In 1821, bauxite, the mineral from which aluminum is made, was discovered
near Les Baux and named for the village.
Today, Les Baux, officially designated "one of the most beautiful villages in France," is one of the most popular tourist attractions
in southern France. Each year, more than one-and-a-half million visitors take the winding road up through rock, forests, olive groves
and vineyards to wander through the ruined ch�teau, the streets of ancient houses, the museums, the chapels, crafts shops and the
Church of Saint-Vincent. Shepherds still bring their animals for midnight mass at this 12th century church. Much of Les Baux has
been carefully restored, and the village boasts several excellent restaurants.
Les Baux is situated 444 miles south of Paris, 12 miles northeast of Arles, and
50 miles north of Marseille.
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