Chateau des Baux de Provence

Thursday 31 May 2012 Continued

A short drive from Glanum the landscape became more hills and valleys until across the fields we saw a large group of rocks jetting upward in the distance.  The perfect place for a fortified city with a commanding view of the surrounding area and sure enough we saw the ruins of Chateau des Baux de Provence.  We climbed the steep city street to the entrance of the medieval site at the top.  A challenging walk, but its got nothing on Entrevoux!  We were warned that it would be hot on the time with little to no shade and that was exactly what we experience.  I traded in my international student ID for an audio guide and quickly found myself wandering the site alone, slightly ahead or behind the others, but making little to no contact with them as I explored.  The interpretive messages incorporated historical context, industry, as well as the really cool toys - i.e. weaponry like a couillard, catapult, and battering ram.

Catapultes!

One of the interesting pieces of information from the audio guide was the story of the original family being descended from one of the Magi who brought Jesus gifts in Bethlehem.   Because of the symbol of the sixteen pointed star of the flat represents the star that guided their path.

 
Because of the sun and extreme heat I wandered the site underneath my huge, multicolored umbrella.  I'm sure I looked goofy as all get out, but it was really helpful!  As I approached the actual Chateau ruins, I used both my umbrella and audio guide less.  It was hot, closer quarters, and more people.  I didn't want to whack anyone with my umbrella and I didn't want to stand in the sun listening to the audio guide without it.

Approaching the ruins

Hiding from the sun

It was in this part that I caught up with Minda, Erica, and David.  Together we climbed to the high parts of the site.  Although there were signs saying that it was forbidden to do so, there were no barriers preventing the way and some of the best hand rails I've seen in France to make it a safe journey.  The dangerous part was the steps themselves - you could tell where generations of people have places their feet (exactly where I wanted to as well) wearing away the rock until there were ankle deep grooves in some spots.

Narrow Path Ahead!

The views from the top were absolutely spectacular.  You could see for miles in any direction and the audio guide said on a clear day you could see all the way to the Camargue!  This just re-enforces why they picked this location for fortifications.  You should be able to see any enemy forces approaching in time to take appropriate measures to protect.

Me, Erica, and Minda at the top

On my way out I fell behind the others and Dr. O'Brien showed me the oldest part of the site.  I thought we were almost out of time so I headed to the gift shop and the others told me we still had a half an hour.  If I would have realized that earlier, I would have gone into the subterranean part - oh well teach me to pay closer attention.  As it was, David and I tried for a geocache, but quickly gave up due to the crowds in the area and went for ice cream instead.  By then it was time to gather and return to Gigondas. For dinner a group of us wandered up into town and found the pizza place.  They were so kind and we had a great evening!

For more photos of Baux click here.