# Les Baux-de-Provence

> commune in Bouches-du-Rhône, France

**Wikidata**: [Q243663](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q243663)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Baux-de-Provence)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/les-baux-de-provence

## Summary
Les Baux-de-Provence is a historic commune located in the Bouches-du-Rhône department of France, within the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Known for its medieval heritage and scenic landscapes, it is part of the arrondissement of Arles and the Canton of Salon-de-Provence-1. The commune is also recognized as one of *The Most Beautiful Villages of France*, a prestigious association highlighting exceptional rural heritage.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Situated in Bouches-du-Rhône, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France.
- **Administrative Division**: Part of the arrondissement of Arles and the Canton of Salon-de-Provence-1.
- **Population**: Historical data shows fluctuations, with recorded figures including 450, 391, 368, 355, 349, 295, 367, 433, 457, 434, 381, 451, 342, 315, 289, 262, and 264 inhabitants.
- **Coordinates**: 43.743888888889° N, 4.7952777777778° E.
- **Website**: [http://www.lesbauxdeprovence.com](http://www.lesbauxdeprovence.com).
- **Aliases**: Known as *Lei Bauç* or *Lei Bauç de Provença* in Occitan.
- **Notable Site**: Home to *Carrières de Lumières*, a renowned multimedia art exhibition space.
- **Geological Significance**: Associated with *bauxite*, an aluminum ore, from which the village derives its name.
- **Classification**: Designated as a *commune of France*, a municipal subdivision established in 1789.
- **Recognition**: Listed among *The Most Beautiful Villages of France* since the association's inception on March 6, 1982.

## FAQs
**Where is Les Baux-de-Provence located?**
Les Baux-de-Provence is located in the Bouches-du-Rhône department of France, within the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It lies in the arrondissement of Arles and the Canton of Salon-de-Provence-1.

**What is the historical significance of Les Baux-de-Provence?**
The commune is renowned for its medieval ruins and strategic hilltop location, which made it a significant fortress in Provence. Its name is also linked to *bauxite*, the primary ore of aluminum, discovered in the region.

**Why is Les Baux-de-Provence considered one of the most beautiful villages in France?**
It was designated as one of *The Most Beautiful Villages of France* due to its preserved medieval architecture, panoramic views of the Alpilles mountains, and cultural heritage, including the *Carrières de Lumières* art venue.

**What is the population of Les Baux-de-Provence?**
Population records vary historically, with figures ranging from 262 to 457 inhabitants. Recent data suggests a population around 450.

**What is the Carrières de Lumières?**
*Carrières de Lumières* is a multimedia art center housed in former limestone quarries near Les Baux-de-Provence. It hosts immersive digital art exhibitions, attracting visitors with its unique blend of technology and heritage.

## Why It Matters
Les Baux-de-Provence holds cultural and historical significance as a symbol of medieval Provence, offering insights into the region's feudal past and architectural heritage. Its inclusion in *The Most Beautiful Villages of France* underscores its role in preserving rural identity and promoting sustainable tourism. The commune’s association with *bauxite* also highlights its geological importance, tying industrial history to natural landscapes. Additionally, attractions like *Carrières de Lumières* bridge tradition and modernity, making it a hub for art and innovation.

## Notable For
- **Medieval Heritage**: Home to the ruins of a 10th-century fortress, a key historical site in Provence.
- **Scenic Beauty**: Perched atop the Alpilles mountains, offering breathtaking views of the Provençal countryside.
- **Cultural Recognition**: Officially listed among *The Most Beautiful Villages of France*.
- **Geological Namesake**: The origin of the term *bauxite*, the primary source of aluminum.
- **Artistic Venue**: Hosts *Carrières de Lumières*, a world-famous digital art exhibition space.
- **Tourism Hub**: A major destination for visitors exploring Provence’s history and landscapes.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Les Baux-de-Provence is situated in the Bouches-du-Rhône department of France, within the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It lies in the arrondissement of Arles and the Canton of Salon-de-Provence-1. The commune is positioned at coordinates 43.743888888889° N, 4.7952777777778° E, atop a rocky outcrop in the Alpilles mountain range. Its elevated location provides strategic views of the surrounding valleys and olive groves.

### Historical Context
The village traces its origins to the medieval period, with its fortress dating back to the 10th century. The name *Les Baux* is derived from the Provençal word *baux*, meaning "rocky spur," and is also the root of *bauxite*, the aluminum ore first identified in the region. The commune’s ruins include a castle, chapel, and defensive walls, reflecting its past as a feudal stronghold.

### Administrative and Demographic Details
Les Baux-de-Provence is classified as a *commune of France*, a municipal subdivision established during the French Revolution in 1789. It falls under the jurisdiction of the arrondissement of Arles and the Canton of Salon-de-Provence-1, created in 2015. Population records indicate fluctuations over time, with figures such as 450, 391, and 262 inhabitants documented in various censuses.

### Cultural and Touristic Significance
The commune is a member of *The Most Beautiful Villages of France*, an association founded on March 6, 1982, to preserve and promote exceptional rural heritage. Its medieval architecture, narrow streets, and panoramic vistas attract tourists year-round. Additionally, the *Carrières de Lumières*, located nearby, repurposes former limestone quarries into an immersive art space, showcasing digital projections of masterpieces.

### Geological and Industrial Legacy
Les Baux-de-Provence is historically linked to *bauxite*, the primary ore of aluminum, which was first discovered in the region. This connection underscores the commune’s role in both geological science and industrial history.

### Related Entities
- **Bouches-du-Rhône**: The department in which Les Baux-de-Provence is located, established in 1790.
- **Arrondissement of Arles**: The administrative division overseeing the commune.
- **Canton of Salon-de-Provence-1**: The electoral district to which it belongs.
- **The Most Beautiful Villages of France**: The association that recognizes its cultural value.
- **Carrières de Lumières**: A major artistic attraction near the village.

### Infrastructure and Accessibility
The commune is accessible via regional roads and is a short drive from larger towns like Arles and Avignon. Its website, [http://www.lesbauxdeprovence.com](http://www.lesbauxdeprovence.com), provides visitor information, including details on accommodations, events, and historical sites.

### Language and Identity
Les Baux-de-Provence is also known by its Occitan aliases, *Lei Bauç* and *Lei Bauç de Provença*, reflecting the region’s linguistic heritage. The village’s identity is deeply tied to Provençal culture, from its cuisine to its festivals.

### Environmental and Economic Role
The commune contributes to the local economy through tourism, agriculture (particularly olive oil and wine), and cultural events. Its preservation as a historic site ensures the continued promotion of Provence’s heritage.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
4. INSEE code
5. répertoire géographique des communes
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Czech National Authority Database
8. Annuaire de service-public.fr
9. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
10. Populations légales 2016
11. Populations légales 2017
12. Populations légales 2018
13. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
14. Populations légales 2019
15. Populations légales 2020
16. Populations légales 2021
17. Populations de référence 2022
18. Populations de référence 2023
19. Flickr Shapefiles Public Dataset 2.0
20. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
21. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
22. GeoNames
23. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
24. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
25. [Code officiel géographique. 2020](https://www.data.gouv.fr/fr/datasets/r/8442dfae-a878-49c6-be4c-20689b1c337c)
26. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
27. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File