Destination Wedding in Les Baux

Marry in the majestic grandeur, of Les Baux-de-Provence with its breathtaking beauty, romantic legends, and royal history. Romanticism was born at Les Baux—a fortress city towering above the villages of the Alpilles. Here 13th C. courtiers and their ladies wrote odes sung to lute and lyre.

Officially classified and labeled as "one of the most beautiful villages in France", you will instantly be entranced by the spectacular views and the astonishing rock formations.

Set on a jagged cliff, jutting 600 feet into the air of the dazzling blue sky, above a sea of olive orchards, vineyards, and tall cypresses, Les Baux-de-Provence is a spectacular sight and a magnificent choice for a destination wedding.

This immense and superb stone fortress, one the most famous "hillside towns" has been the city of love for centuries. In the 13th century Les Baux became known as a "court of love." Women could join only if they were of noble birth, well read, and beautiful. Questions of chivalry were discussed, and troubadours (often-great lords themselves) came from all around to compose verses to these ladies. Never has there been such a stunning backdrop for wedding pictures!

The name "baux" means a prominent cliff, but has become better known for the bauxite in this region. Bauxite was first discovered in the Alpilles, and named after the village of Baux-de-Provence. There are incredible rock formations in this part of the Alpilles. The roads look as if they have been made with single strokes of giant's knife through the solid rock.

Les Baux-de-Provence has been occupied as a defensive site throughout history. Several Roman artifacts, including burial tombs and monoliths mark this as a Roman defensive town.

In medieval times, The "Baux" family ruled from the 9th century until 1426 when the last of the lords died. The Lords of Les Baux were among the strongest in Southern France in the 11th century, they had 79 towns, villages and many titles --Princes of Orange, Viscounts of Marseille, Dukes of Andria among others. Baux was integrated into the county of Provence, and then became part of France, along with Provence, in 1481. When the population revolted at this integration, Louis XI responded by "dismantling" the chateau. Baux became a barony, eventually ruled by Anne de Montmorency who rebuilt the castle and built the social life of the town to royal proportions.

Les Baux covers 7 hectares where visitors can explore the main ruins of its dramatic past: the keep, Saracen towers, chapel, old war weapons... the history of Provence unfolds before your eyes among the rocks and stones. Its cultural heritage is exceptionally rich, with 22 architectural treasures classified as "Historic Monuments", including: the church, château, town-hall, hospital, chapels, the contemporary works of art, sculptures and many fascinating museums

The village has been perfectly restored with only 500 permanent residents and is now one of the most popular attractions in the region, and a pure joy to explore. The village can only be visited by foot and you will marvel over ancient houses that have been carefully restored, beautiful Renaissance façades and several magnificent hôtels particuliers, exquisite 12th century stained glass windows, and so much more.

You can also browse in the many boutiques, galleries, craft shops that sell the products of local artists and artisans.

Just behind the village is the Cathedrale D'Images in the Val d'Enfer. These bauxite quarries dating back to Roman times, are vast, cool caves with flat floors and with tall ceilings, resembling a cathedral. Today they are set up as a spectacular audio-visual extravaganza. Huge, 3-dimensional images are projected onto 4.000m2 of rock-face; change continually to music. Legend has it that Dante used this gorge at 'Val d'Enfer' meaning valley of hell) with its rough terrain and many once occupied caves with the rushing sounds of the winds passing through, was inspiration to Dante in writing the "Inferno."

Food-lovers will soon discover that several restaurants at Les Baux boast international reputations with irresistible quality dining.

This elegant setting is an ideal for your wedding reception. A sumptuous delight is to be had by all with the refined Provençal cooking, and Coteaux Baux-de-Provence wines.

It's ethereal beauty, mystical feel, and passionate history, will make your wedding in Les Baux your Provence wedding eternal memory.