Les Baux in Les Alpilles de Provence

This is an area I have yearned to visit and was not disappointed – having left the motorway we were soon surrounded by Les Alpilles. You can’t mistake them – strange & striking shaped hills made of limestone.

We spent three days in Les Baux de Provence which is in the Les Alpilles area of Provence. The town of Les Baux is famous for being one of the most beautiful hill towns in France. Mainly due to its stunning surroundings. Though I believe that Paul de Vence in the Côte d’Azur could certainly compete for that title as well. Hundreds of people flock to the town of Les Baux every day. It has an amazing history dating back to 3000 bc and still has the remains of the castle.

This area also grows some of the best olives in France due to the fertile soil in Provence. Extra virgin Olive oil can be more expensive than champagne here at 22 Euro per litre. The stunning scenery is further enhanced by the numerous olive farms.

The author Marcel Pagnol who was born nearby in Aubagne wrote about his childhood holidays in this area. There have been four films based on his books which I can’t praise enough & would urge everyone to watch them. My two favourites are full of nostalgia about a childhood in rural France about 100 years ago.  La Gloire de mon Père & Le Chateau de ma Mère (The glory of my father & The house of my mother). I could watch again & again. Enough said hope you enjoy the photos.