Les Baux-de-Provence

We were there a couple of summers ago and just a few hours was enough for us. We got there early, walked around, explored, took pics, and headed out. If the light show had been happening, that may have extended our visit.

We went to Les Baux in 2014. I think we had a couple of hours there. I would have loved more time there, but we had plenty of time to walk around, check out the church, and buy a few souvenirs.

The light show didn't appeal to us; but the people in our small-group tour who checked it out all seemed to enjoy it.

From leaving the car in the parking spot to returning to it, probably 2 hours, with trebuche demos... with 3 tween&teens

The light show mentioned is called Carrières de Lumières and is I believe a few minute walk outside of town.

Spending a couple of nights in Les Baux in a B&B this summer and looking forward to exploring the town minus the day trippers at night fall.

Just go with the flow and you will know when you are ready to leave

The Carrières de Lumières was among the highlights of our time in Provence. I'd suggest checking out the website (http://carrieres-lumieres.com/en/home) and reviews (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1819081-d2651179-Reviews-Carrieres_de_Lumieres-Les_Baux_de_Provence_Bouches_du_Rhone_Provence_Alpes_Cote_.html), to help determine if it's for you. It took only an hour, or less, and was a unique experience.

Related suggestion: After Carrieres, we sort of stumbled into the restaurant Le Patio, a short drive south of Les Baux in Fontvieille, for a terrific lunch. Two pleasant, mostly unplanned, surprises on the same day.

We were visiting last summer. The ruins was about a 2 hour experience (we arrive on the first entry). We had visited the Luminars show the day before and purchased a combine ticket. The show was extraordinary. Must see.
I would not rush this area of Provence.

I believe we spent a couple of hours in Les Baux. It was enjoyable, but that was plenty.

I appreciate all the help. I would love to have more time in Les Baux, but we will basically be on the road between two other locations when we visit, so I needed to know whether it was even logical for us to visit. I feel like we will have a maximum of 3 1/2 hours to spend in Les Baux. At first, I thought the Carrières-de-Lumières show would be a nighttime show, but it looks like it's inside so it can be done during the daytime. Sounds like approximately 2 hours is suggested for Les Baux, so how much extra time would you suggest allowing for Carrières-de-Lumières? Thanks!

2 hours for the site, but driving up the mountain takes time, then threading thru the skinny village from distant parking is at least 20 min each way. Note that the structures are in poor condition but the setting is spectacular.

The light show thingy closed early, at least in April it did, but I don't think it is my kind of attraction anyway (can't see spending time in an intense cultural area with a gimmicky trap like this). You would need to arrive by 3 pm or so to see both attractions, since Les Baux (the chateau) doesn't technically close, but they stop admitting people at a set time.

Spending a couple of nights in Les Baux in a B&B this summer and looking forward to exploring the town minus the day trippers at night fall.

It's completely deserted by dusk, maybe one restaurant open in the evening. The town is a kind of Disney experience that feels completely fake as if no one lives there, although the structures must be authentic. Plan on eating at least one meal in St-Remy.

It's completely deserted by dusk, maybe one restaurant open in the
evening. The town is a kind of Disney experience that feels completely
fake as if no one lives there, although the structures must be
authentic. Plan on eating at least one meal in St-Remy.

I figured as much, but that is part of the appeal.
We are not big on nightlife and I look forward to exploring the deserted town structures and back alleys in the dark with no one else around ; I like taking night photos though so that definitely has something to do with my decision.

I'd call it a half day. There is quite a bit of climbing involved from parking lot through town to entrance, from entrance to summit, from summit to top of ruins. If you have mobility issues, you probably won't want to climb on the ruins; they can be tricky. There isn't much shade so, if you're going in summer, I'd go first thing in the morning rather than the afternoon. You can then get lunch from one of the many places in town as you go back down to your car.

The place is far from my favorite ruin and the town is similar, in terms of touristy, to Mt. St. Michel. I wouldn't have wanted to stay in the area longer than a morning, or afternoon, to have a look.

I like taking night photos though so that definitely has something to do with my decision.

Then definitely stay inside the chateau after the ticket gate closes, bring a picnic for dinner and eat inside the ruin. You will have the place mostly to yourself although seeing the costumed demonstrations and the operation of the trebuchets and all that will be long over.

Brad, just curious. What is your favorite ruin? :)

I'm not Brad, but my favourite ruin by far is the Château de Commarque, especially if accessed not from the usual parking area, but from the north side by a walk through the woods so that you don't see it from a distance before arriving - it just bursts in front of you quite suddenly.