Martigues:
The "Venice of Provence," with its beaches, canals, and water sports

Les Baux-de-Provence is one of the most beautiful getaway destinations in Provence.

Ranked among the region's most iconic villages, this hilltop village charms visitors with its rocky landscape, medieval atmosphere, and remarkable panoramic views of the Provençal countryside.

Starting from Marina Plage, this excursion is the perfect way to round out your vacation with a day spent exploring historic sites, taking a stroll, and enjoying a change of scenery. It’s an ideal outing for vacationers who want to discover a more historic side of Provence, with its ancient alleyways, sweeping views, and the charm of a quaint village.

— Practical Transportation Tips —  

From Vitrolles, it takes about an hour to drive to Les Baux-de-Provence. It’s a longer drive than to Marseille, Aix, or Martigues, but it’s still perfectly suitable for a day trip from the campground.

An iconic village
to explore during your vacation

Les Baux-de-Provence attracts visitors with its spectacular setting.

The village overlooks landscapes shaped by rock, wind, and the passage of time, boasting a very distinctive visual identity. As they wander through the cobblestone streets and take in the scenic views, visitors discover a destination that epitomizes a certain image of Provence: rugged, luminous, and steeped in heritage.

One day is enough to enjoy the village, visit the main attractions, and take the time to admire the scenery of the Alpilles.

The Château des Baux, the historic heart
of the tour

Beyond its seaside setting, Martigues also has a significant cultural scene.

Its status as a “City of Art and History” and the local tourist attractions make it an appealing destination for visitors who enjoy combining sightseeing, cultural heritage, and exhibitions.

This diversity is one of Martigues’ greatest assets: the city is perfect for both a day at the beach and a cultural getaway.

Water Activities and
Boat Tours

The Château des Baux-de-Provence is the must-see attraction on this outing.

Designated in its entirety as a Historic Monument , it covers approximately 5 hectares of medieval ruins. Perched on a rocky promontory, the fortress offers a sweeping panoramic view of Provence, stretching all the way to the Camargue on a clear day.

A tour of the castle offers a deeper understanding of the turbulent history of the lords of Les Baux and the site’s defensive layout. The tour highlights several iconic features: the keep , the Sarrasine and Paravelle towers , the castle chapel, the cistern, the bakery, the farmyards, the dovecotes, the cave dwellings, and the spectacular “hare hole.”

What makes the site particularly interesting is not only the age of the ruins, but also their ability to provide insight into daily life in a Provençal fortress. The keep is a reminder of the lord’s power, the farmyards give a sense of the castle’s social organization, and the cistern illustrates just how vital water management was on this rocky outcrop with no natural springs.

The cave dwellings and dovehouses, for their part, are evidence of a very practical adaptation to the environment.