Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Near Les Baux
A half-mile beyond Les Baux, D-27 (toward Maillane) leads to dramatic views of the hill
town. There are pullouts with great vistas, and cavernous caves in former limestone quar-
riesdatingbacktotheMiddleAges.(Thelimestoneiseasytocut,butgetshardandnicely
polishedwhenexposedtotheweather.)Speakingofquarries,in1821,therocksandsoilof
this area were found to contain an important mineral for making aluminum. It was named
after the town: bauxite.
You'll enjoy superb views of Les Baux from the Caves de Sarragan parking lot, once
occupied by the Sarragan Winery. For still better views, continue driving up. After several
switchbacks you'll reach the top—turn right on the paved lane where you see a red kilo-
meter marker and find the views. You'll see walking trails nearby (ask at TIs for info on
hikes in the Alpilles; Les Baux to St-Rémy is a 2.5-hour hike).
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Carrière des Lumières
This nearby cave offers a mesmerizing sound-and-slide show, with 48 projectors flashing
countless images on expansive quarry walls, accompanied by music. The show lasts 40
minutes(dresswarmly,asthecaveiscool),andthere'sadifferentprogrameveryyear(the
2014 show features 100 years of Viennese painting).
Cost and Hours:
€9.50, daily April-Sept 9:30-19:30, March and Oct-Dec
10:00-18:00, closed Jan-Feb, tel. 04 90 54 47 37,
www.carrieres-lumieres.com
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