Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Entertainment:
OnweekendsfromAprilthroughSeptember,thecastlepresentsme-
dieval pageantry, tournaments, demonstrations of catapults and crossbows, and jousting
matches(scheduleinEnglishat
www.chateau-baux-provence.com
)
.Ifyoubringlunch,en-
joy the picnic tables.
Background:
Imagine the importance of this citadel in the Middle Ages, when the
Lords of Baux were notorious warriors. (How many feudal lords could trace their lineage
back to one of the “three kings” of Christmas-carol fame, Balthazar?) In the 11th century,
Les Baux was a powerhouse in southern France, controlling about 80 towns. The Lords
of Baux fought the counts of Barcelona for control of Provence...and eventually lost. But
whileinpower,theseguysweremean.Onerulerenjoyedforcingunransomedprisonersto
jump off his castle walls.
