Provence 7-day Itinerary
France
Where to go and what to see in Provence to get the most from your trip – a 7-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
Bucket list experience:
Teetering atop the craggy Alpilles mountains, this once-impressive fortress was built in the 10th century to be the home of the Seigneurs de Baux (Lords of Baux), the meanest, toughest hombres in Provence during the Middle Ages.
For five hundred years it presided over ceaseless conflicts – but its court was just as famous for promoting courtly love and troubadours during that era. It was eventually ordered to be demolished by King Louis XIII, as part of his relentless campaign to suppress religious and feudal rebellion.
Today, the romantic ruins enjoy spectacular views over much of southern Provence. During the summer, staff recreate the feudal spirit by shooting catapults, trebuchets, crossbows and re-enacting knights’ duels. There’s also sword fighting in summer and the occasional life-size battering ram – great fun for adults and especially kids.
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Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
France
Where to go and what to see in Provence to get the most from your trip – a 7-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
The chateau is located 15km north-east of Arles and 30km south of Avignon (they’re also the closest train stations). Transdev Sud buses make the trip to Les Baux from both Saint-Remy and Arles. Drivers can park along the access road for free or use the pay car park; no cars are allowed in the village itself. Numerous organised tours include stop at the chateau (see recommendations below).
If you’re going it alone, tickets can be bought in advance online or at the ticket office when you get there. Free self-guided audio guides are available at the entrance. You can also download it in an app to your mobile before you go. The chateau has also set up an educational scavenger hunt for kids ages 7-12, to spark interest in Les Baux’s history; ask for a copy at the ticket office.
The castle is open all year round, seven days a week. Although at its most popular in summer, this is a fun time to watch the medieval weapons demonstrations – arrive at 9am to avoid the worst of the crowds and heat. Out of season, it’s quieter and very atmospheric.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Les Baux-de-Provence, Provence, France[0.8 miles]
Legendary country hotel and three-star Michelin restaurant, in a magical setting just below Les-Baux-en-Provence.
Official star rating:
Paradou, Provence, France[2.3 miles]
An intimate retreat: ultra-contemporary, minimalist hotel secluded in the olive groves under the Alpilles. Expect high design luxury suites, a spa and a gourmet restaurant tucked under the Les Baux-en-Provence castle.
Official star rating:
Saint-Remy, Provence, France[5.1 miles]
An elegant, historic 19th-century chateau hotel just outside historic Saint-Remy, set in glorious grounds.
Official star rating:
Arles, Provence, France[15.6 miles]
A stylish, storied hotel full of character and charm in the historic heart of Arles. Rich in local history, and a favourite of visiting bullfighters.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Provence, France
Gorgeous landscapes peppered with beautiful villages, sunflowers and lavender, art-filled towns, lively cultural festivals and exquisite food and wine. Provence is everything you imagined it would be.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Saint-Remy-de-Provence, Provence, France[4.4 miles]
The best-preserved Roman city in Provence, near Saint-Remy, amid landscapes painted by Van Gogh.
Best for ages: 18+ | £7
Saint-Remy-de-Provence, Provence, France[4.6 miles]
Follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps through the landscapes around Saint-Remy-de-Provence, where he painted some of his best-known works.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free | 1+ hours
Arles, Provence, France[15.2 miles]
Provence’s bloodless bullfights are one of the region’s most exciting and best-loved sports, a cultural phenomenon held in the magnificent Roman amphitheatre of Arles.
Best for ages: 8+ | £8 | 1+ hours
Arles, Provence, France[15.2 miles]
The biggest and one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in France, where 20,000 would come to watch gladiators fight to the death.
Best for ages: 18+ | £8
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Les Baux-de-Provence, Provence, France[2 miles]
In the stunning setting of Les Baux, learn all about Provence’s greeny-golden nectar on these free tastings of these award-winning oils. Open all year-round, but short walks through the olive groves and visits to the mill are also offered from June to September.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 2 hours
Saint-Remy-de-Provence, Provence, France[4.6 miles]
The asylum where Van Gogh spent 1888-89 is a masterpiece of Provencal Romanesque, and today specializes, appropriately, in art therapy. His room and reproductions of the paintings he made there are on display, along with temporary exhibitions.
Best for ages: 18+ | £4
Arles, Provence, France[15.3 miles]
An evocative, romantic Roman burial ground – once the most famous cemetery in medieval Europe. It’s the burial site of the legendary St Trophime and the first bishops of Arles, and remains an important stop on the pilgrimage to Compostela.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Arles, Provence, France[15.6 miles]
Arles is world-famous thanks to Van Gogh, but to the city’s eternal regret no one bought any of his paintings. This foundation, in the newly renovated Hotel Leautaud de Donines, is dedicated to art exhibitions inspired by the artist.
Best for ages: 18+ | £9