Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In 1426, Les Baux was incorporated into Provence and France. Not accustomed to
subservience, Les Baux struggled with the French king, who responded by destroying the
fortress in 1483. Later, Les Baux regained some importance and emerged as a center of
Protestantism. Arguing with Rome was a high-stakes game in the 17th century, and Les
Baux's association with the Huguenots brought destruction again in 1632 when Cardinal
Richelieu (under King Louis XIII) demolished the castle. Louis rubbed salt in the wound
by billing Les Baux's residents for his demolition expenses. The once-powerful town of
4,000 was forever crushed.
