Les Baux, Carrières de Lumières & Provence Wines Day Trip from Aix en Provence (shared)

Meet your English Speaking Driver/Guide who is a local Expert of the Provence
Upon arrival at the meeting point, you will be welcomed by your English speaking guide who will be waiting with a sign bearing the name of the tour and with the Ophorus logo on it. Also, all our guides have a nominative badge so that it will be easy for you to recognize them. 

Once you have met your guide, he/she will go over the program and itinerary of the day with you. Then, board your comfortable, air conditioned Mercedes minivan and begin to make your way to visit local Les Baux de Provence village, admire the light show at Carrières de Lumières and participate in a Provence Wine Tasting session.

All our vehicles are equipped with an on board P/A system which means that everyone will hear the guide's commentary during driving time, even if you are seated in the back of the van! Also, we have bottled water at your disposal and you can use our free wifi as you travel from one destination to another. 

Visit Carrières de Lumière Light Show in Les Baux de Provence
After a short drive from Aix en Provence, reach the Carrières de Lumières located at the base of the village of Les Baux de Provence in the Alpilles area. The site, known since the Romans, is an ancient quarry from where the local limestone was extracted throughout the centuries to build towns and villages such as Glanum, Les Baux de Provence and its castle. Closed in 1935 the site quickly became the perfect setting for several artistic happenings such as the filming of Orpheus by Jean Cocteau. In 2012, Culturespaces obtained the management of the site and created and Art & Music Immersive Experience. In march of the same year, the Carrières des Lumières opened with an exhibition called "Gauguin, Van Gogh: painters of Colour".

Every year since the opening, the Carrières des Lumières operates a unique sound and light show that is devoted to a major artist. In 2021, the light show features the famous painter Cézanne as well as a shorter screening of major works by Kandinsky. In 2022, the Carrières des Lumières will feature an immersive experience dedicated to the town of Venice. Program will include a stroll along the Grand Canal, the discovery of the mosaique of Saint Marc basilica and paintings by Canaletto, Le Tintoret or Bellini. The short movie will be dedicated to Yves Klein and the infinite Blue.

Discover the small village of Les Baux de Provence
Classified as one of the most beautiful villages of France, Les Baux de Provence will be a highlight of your day. After your Light & Sound experience in Les Carrières de Lumières, reach the village of Les Baux de Provence. Perched on top of a natural plateau, the site has been continuously inhabited since Prehistoric times. The first fortified town dates back to the 10th century while the castle, that dominates the village, was built in the 13th century. The Renaissance period left its print on Les Baux de Provence with the building of beautiful private mansions that can still be seen today. After a time of prosperity linked with the quarrying of the local limestone, the village slowly fell asleep when the demand for stone decreased. After the 2nd WW, Les Baux de Provence became an artistic and touristic destination that attracted famous artists such as Louis Jou, Pablo Casals or Yves Brayer. In 1998, Les Baux de Provence was listed as one of the 'Most Beautiful Villages of France'.

As you reach the village, follow your guide for a walking tour. Pass through Eyguieres gate that was the only entrance to the village until 1866 and stroll through the narrow streets of the village. Admire the Hotel de Porcelet, a 16th century Private Mansion that now houses the Yves Brayer museum. Other attractions in the village include the White Penant's Chapel, the 12th century Saint Vincent Church with its stained-glass windows by Max Ingrand and of course the Château des Baux that is one of the most stunning of the region and that offers a breathtaking panorama. After your walking tour, enjoy some free time for personal discovery and lunch (at own expense).

Provence Wine Tasting
After your time in Les Baux de Provence, it will be time to begin to make our way back to Aix en Provence. On your way, we will stop in a local Provence Winery so that you may taste some of the local wines that are produced in the region. The Côtes de Provence wine region spans over 20 000 hectares (roughly 50 000 acres) and has been recognized as an AOC since 1977. Rosé wines are mainly produced here and represent about 90% of the total amount of wines, 5% are reds and 5% whites. Mains grape varieties for the rosés and red wines include cinsault, grenache, mourvèdre and syrah. For the white wines, clairette, sémillon, ugni blanc and rolle (vermentino) are the most commonly used grape varieties. The highlight of your tasting will be Côtes de Provence rosé wine that are known for their aromas of fresh flower, yellow fruits and red fruits. You will also have the pleasure to taste reds & whites so as to cover the whole range of Provence wines.

After your wine tasting, it will be time to head back to Aix en Provence. Drop off in Aix and end of our services.