Benvengudo Hotel Visits Chateau des Baux de Provence
Benvengudo Hotel blog will explore the history and attractions of Les Baux-de-Provence in a new series of articles. No site has more historically significant than the Château des Baux de Provence; a 10th century fortified castle that towers over the village and surrounding landscape of Provence. Located well within walking distance of Benvengudo Hotel, the Chateau is an ideal attraction for the more historically inclined visitor.
Discovery Provence and Its History
Considered by some to be one of the most picturesque villages in France, Les Baux-de-Provence exemplifies everything that is beautiful about Southern France. Perhaps the most captivating feature of the area, is the Chateau des Baux de Provence, a Castle perched proudly upon a spur of rock in the heart of The Chaine des Alpilles, a small mountain range in Provence.
As well as offering a stunning panorama of the surrounding Provence from Aix to Arles and beyond, the Chateau is also of significant cultural and historical importance as a listed Historical Monument. Once inside, you will begin to discovery the history of the Lords of Les Baux-de-Provence as well as the remains of the former town of Baux. With their audio guide, available in 10 different languages, re-trace their steps as you visit the keep, the Sarrazine and Paravelle towers, the dovecote, the castle chapel and the chapel of St Blaise, and the former Quiqueran hospital.
The Lords of Baux
The Chateau has seen a turbulent history with Raymond of Baux playing a crucial role in determining who occupied Provence. As a Lord of Baux for 20 years, between 1145 and 1162, he led the Baussenque Wars, fighting against the Count of Barcelona to win the County of Provence.
The turbulence of the region finally died out with the death of Alix of Baux. As the last heiress of the domain of Baux her death, in 1426, signalled the end of the turbulent line of the Lords of Baux. The Chateau survived for a few more years, before its demolition in 1483.
Secular and Religious Remains
At the entrance to the Chateau you will find the former chapel, a 12th century building that was constructed with rich decoration and intended for contemplation and prayer. In the 12th century, the chapel was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and provided the Chateau with both religious and physical protection. It has been dedicated to Saint Catherine since the 16th century.
The Military Remains
The Keep at the Chateau des Baux serves as a stark reminder of the militaristic presence in Provence. The Keep is also significant because it was here that the Chateau came into being. The Lords of Baux had the rock carved out at heights of up to 20 metres so as to defy anyone attempting to scale it. At those heights the Lords also made full use of the panoramic view of Provence.
The Siege Engines at the Château des Baux
The Chateau is also home to a magnificent reproduction Trebuchet, a type of French catapult. As well as several other examples of historical siege works, The Trebuchet was constructed based on medieval drawings from the period and forms part of a range of formidable machines that were often used to attack the walls of fortified sites during sieges. This medieval equipment can be seen in action over a series of events held at the Chateau from April through to September.
Benvengudo Hotel is a 4 star luxury boutique hotel located in Les Baux-de-Provence. Set in an authentic Provencal country house, its idyllic location offers a perfect base from which to explore this remarkable region in the South of France.